The Word Of God Never Fails
The depths of scripture truly amaze me. You can study, dig and search passages and each time you will find something new and different. Last week we took a look at the Gospel of John and how the writer used the Greek word Logos to describe Jesus. Logos translated into our English language is the word, “Word.”
If you have not taken the time to read last week’s post titled The Word, you may want to pause and jump over to get caught up to help you better understand the context for today.
Thinking outside of the box regarding how we can dig deeper into the study of the Logos, I encouraged you to look into just the simple definition of our English translation. Today, I want to discuss another entry in the dictionary that challenged my thinking more than the other two definitions previously discussed. To recap, the word, “word’ has several different meanings. The ones we previously explored were:
A promise (I have kept my word)
An assurance (You have my word I will arrive on time)
These definitions gave me a sense of clarity as to why John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, would use the term Logos for Jesus Christ. Our God is faithful and He is not a man that He should lie. (Numbers 23:19)
As I continued to explore the dictionary, the last entry I found immediately challenged my faith journey. Read these next words slowly, repeat them a couple of times and allow the weight of the meaning to really sink in.
To be convinced of another‘s sincerity and act in accord with his/her statement (We took them at their word the job would be done, so we did not worry)
When you believe someone to be truthful, you will act a certain way toward that person. For example, I trust my husband when he says he is going to work and will be home later. I do not stress nor have anxiety all day wondering if I will ever see him again. Why? Because I trust what He says to be true based on His past actions.
So I ask a simple, yet profound question. If we say we believe the Word of God, why do we struggle to act like we believe it? To be convinced of another‘s sincerity and act in accord with his/her statement.
When we have full confidence in another person’s character and the things they tell us, our behavior reflects what we believe. God has never proven Himself to be unfaithful, yet many times we doubt and struggle in our faith.
Please do not misunderstand. Our relationship with Christ is a journey in which we grow, understanding more throughly Who He is and become more like Jesus daily. There will be times we struggle with doubts and fears, we are but flesh; but we cannot stay there. Our challenges are meant to deepen our faith and if allowed, solidify proof of the goodness of our Lord.
We must resist the temptation to claim God as unfaithful or untrustworthy, simply because we are going through a difficult season and He has not answered our cries in the way we think He should. These are Christians whom Paul called “infants in Christ, still feeding on milk” (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
It is time to move to solid food dear friends. If we cannot trust the Word of God Almighty, my goodness- whom in this world can we trust? The Word calls us to action. It is faith in motion in which we decide everything the Creator tells us is genuine and we act on that knowledge. It pushes us forward, requiring work to be accomplished and achievements made.
The Word declares 365 times, “do not be afraid” because God is with us every moment, yet fear is the number one cause for why so many believers do not share the gospel or complete the work they have been called to do.
Jesus told us to go into all the ends of the earth and make disciples. Do you have someone in your life that you are pouring into and helping to teach the ways of Messiah?
We are to be holy because He is holy. How often do you crucify your flesh, killing sin in your life? Are you repenting quickly when you fall short?
Scripture is clear throughout about guarding our mind and heart by what we watch and listen to. What do you meditate on? What do you allow your eyes and ears to take in each day?
Brothers and sisters, we are to remain sexually pure. This is a HUGE one for our culture today, especially when sex has been cheapened and watered down to some “casual event.” Living and sleeping together before marriage has become the norm, even within the church.
This is but a short list of examples where we are challenged and called to take action throughout scripture. What would happen if Christians actually behaved in a manner which demonstrated they have full assurance of God’s Word and sought to live in accord with His precepts? I truly believe we would see power restored to the Church, if the Bride of Christ was serious about following God’s law.
I believe we would see anxiety reduced because confidence in our Lord would push out fear. Peace would wash over our lives more easily as we trust fully in the faithfulness of God’s word. Struggling with a decision or need guidance on a topic? Your first response would be to ask the Lord because James 1:5 states, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach and it will be given him.”
From front cover to the back of the leather binding of the Bible, there is not one sentence, phrase or word that is not the absolute truth. If you are a follower of Christ, this is your assurance.
I was challenged by this definition of word when I read it so many years ago, and it caused me to correct some thought processes and take action in parts of my life that lay dormant. I encourage you to examine your faith walk and see if there are areas that may need a make-over.
Living Beautifully Simple begins by being completely convinced of God’s sincerity and act in accord with His statements.
“For the word of God will never fail.” (Luke 1:37)