Day 47 - Faithfulness

The last three virtues listed as fruit of the Spirit are faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Though all the fruit of the Spirit affect others these are primarily concerned with our interior life, our core self.

Synonyms for faithfulness include trustworthiness and reliability. It means that which makes a person one on whom others can rely. I know quite a few trustworthy and reliable people, don’t you? They’re the ones you can count on. When they say they will do something or be somewhere, you don’t have to wonder whether they will or not.

One of my favorite stories in the Bible demonstrates faithfulness. It is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and it is found in Daniel 3. As background, remember that these three young men had been drafted, along with Daniel, to serve King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon after he invaded and conquered Jerusalem. In chapter 3, we see where King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image—90 feet tall—that he wanted all of the people to bow down and worship. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to offer worship to any idol; they only worshiped the true God. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace to die. Even though these young men knew what would happen to them, they remained faithful. I love their response to the King as recorded in Daniel 3:16-18:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

And God did take care of them. He sent an angel to keep them safe while in the furnace. When the king opened the furnace and saw that they were unharmed, he acknowledged God’s power and forbade anyone to talk against Him. Such faithfulness is inspiring, isn’t it? Staying faithful is expected from one who has been transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Sailors constantly keep their vessels in good condition and ready to raise the sails in anticipation of a good wind. They are faithful to their task and know that the reward will be a smooth running with their sail full of the mighty wind. Sometimes the greatest test of our faithfulness is simply waiting…waiting for the wind to blow. It is interesting that before the amazing day of Pentecost and the powerful out pouring of the Spirit like a mighty wind (Acts 2), Jesus told His disciples to wait (Acts 1:4-5).

Are you in a time of waiting?

What makes the wait difficult?

How does the presence of the Holy Spirit help you stay faithful during the wait?