We want comfort. We think we deserve comfort. We think the Christian life should be comfortable.
But comfort is rarely mentioned in the Bible. Faithfulness is everywhere. God is faithful, not comfortable.
This is what we forget. We look for comfort, but God gives faithfulness.
This is the difference. This is what matters.
The Faithfulness of God
Turn with me to Lamentations. The writer is in the middle of suffering, and look what he says:
"Through the Lord'smerciful kindness we are not consumed, for His mercies are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23Great is Your faithfulness.
Not: Great is Your comfort. Not: Great is Your ease.
Great is Your faithfulness.
In the middle of suffering, in the middle of hardship, in the middle of difficulty, what is great? Not comfort. Faithfulness.
This is what God gives. Not comfort. Faithfulness.
And then there is this, from 1 Corinthians:
"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."
1 Corinthians 1:9God is faithful.
Not: God is comfortable. Not: God makes life easy.
God is faithful.
In every situation, in every circumstance, in everytrial, God is faithful.
This is what we have. This is what we need to remember.
The Faithful Promise
And then there is this, from Hebrews:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."
Hebrews 10:23He who promised is faithful.
Not: He who promised is comfortable. Not: He who promised will make life easy.
He who promised is faithful.
That is the promise. Not comfort. Faithfulness. Not ease. Faithfulness.
This is what we hold to. Not a promise of comfort. A promise of faithfulness.
And then there is this, from 2 Timothy:
"Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."
2 Timothy 2:10-13If we are faithless, He remains faithful.
Even when we are unfaithful, He remains faithful.
That is the nature of God. Not comfortable. Faithful. Always faithful.
This is what we need to remember. Not: God will make us comfortable. But: God will remain faithful.
The Difference That Matters
So what does this mean for us? It means we have been looking for the wrong thing. We have been looking for comfort, but God gives faithfulness.
We have been expecting ease, but God gives endurance. We have been expecting comfort, but God gives faithfulness.
This is the difference. This is what we have forgotten.
Comfort is rarely mentioned. But faithfulness is everywhere.
In suffering, in hardship, in difficulty, God is faithful. That is what we have. That is what we need.
Not: God will make me comfortable. But: God will remain faithful.
That is the promise. That is what matters.
Try This Today
Ask yourself honestly: Am I looking for comfort or faithfulness? Bring that to Him in prayer. Ask Him to help you find faithfulness in the difficulty. Comfort is rarely mentioned, but faithfulness is everywhere.
We want comfort. We think we deserve comfort. We think the Christian life should be comfortable.
But comfort is rarely mentioned in the Bible. Faithfulness is everywhere.
God is faithful, not comfortable. That is what we need to remember.
When the difficulty comes, when the suffering comes, when the hardship comes, God is faithful. That is what we have.
Not comfort. Faithfulness. And that is enough.
Father, thank You for faithfulness instead of comfort. Forgive me for looking for the wrong thing. Teach me to find Your faithfulness in the difficulty. You are faithful. That is enough. In Jesus Name, Amen.
With honesty and hope,
Claire