But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (KJV).

REFLECT:
One of the things we as human beings tend to look for in life is faithfulness and a strong support system. Usually, we expect and trust that such faithfulness and support system to come from family and church affiliations or we join clubs, societal groups, friendship associations, etc to get such experience.

The reason we need such systems is that they tend to give us a sense of belonging, acceptance, and fulfillment and may somehow define our sense of purpose, and this may be necessary at the time we need it. Of course, there is nothing wrong with having or joining as many of such groups as we want.

Being part of a family or support group tends to provide us with some measure of security. We can get some comfort and company or companionship that may help to give us some form of stability.

So, like was mentioned earlier, there is nothing wrong with these systems, after all, God created them for a purpose. The following are a few Bible references that give a clear understanding of why God put such support groups in place for our benefit. Please find the time to refer to them. (Genesis chapters 1&2; John 15:12 -17; Ephesians 3:14-15; Psalms 133:1; Genesis 19:19.)

However, the only issue we may have is committing ourselves to total dependence on them. Our total dependence must never be on people or support groups. At best they could make us feel good and accepted and provide some form of security, but there is a limit to what they can offer us.

There will be problems that may arise which may be beyond human abilities, and when in such deep trouble or distress earthly support groups may not meet our expectations. They cannot provide the absolute support we so dearly need.

The statement above may cause us to wonder where or who can we turn to for absolute faithfulness and support. Going by our Bible verse for today, there is only one absolutely, true and faithful source of support. This one source is God Almighty. He is the answer to every problem.

He alone is our faithful support and help and can protect and keep us from every problem. Moreover, God has put in place everything we need to be beneficiaries of His divine support and faithfulness. These gifts He has given us are His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit for this purpose.

Now regarding earthy support groups, God’s intention for having us forge family and church affiliations or relationships and other support groups is so that they can point us to Him, help us grow in the knowledge of His power and ability to save us, and trust Him to be that faithful support and help that He has promised to be. “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23(KJV).

Questions to ask ourselves or ponder on at this point are:

Who do we put our absolute trust in times of trouble?

Do we make God our first point of contact when we are in distress?

Are we affiliated with groups that point us to Jesus or away from Him?

The questions above are necessary if we must have a clear focus, and direction on how to set our priorities in place.

When we make God our focus and the first point of contact to find help for every issue of our lives, He will give us the opportunity and Grace to receive Him as a faithful help and support in our times of need.

Ebimobo W. Obasi

PLEASE PRAY ALONG:

A Prayer of Thanks for God’s Faithfulness

FATHER GOD, thank You for Your faithfulness to me, even when I have been unfaithful to You. Thank You for Your presence in my life. You never leave me to handle my problems alone. Please continue to protect and strengthen me, as I continue to place my hope and trust in You. In JESUS MIGHTY NAME AMEN.