Scripture - 2 Tim. 2:13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Observation - Paul, while speaking a "trustworthy saying," introduces the concept of v13 to Timothy. He says that if we become faithless (apisteo - to be unbelieving, disbelieve, or disobey), Jesus will remain faithful (pistos
- objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful) because he cannot disown (arneomai
- to contradict, disavow, reject, abnegate, deny, refuse) himself. This is not speaking of turning our back on Him as seen in verse 13, for the scripture says if we disown Him, He will disown us. This verse seems to make application to the times when we have run out of hope for a situation, but because of his character, He continues His faithfulness. He refuses to go against His own nature by abandoning ship simply because of our struggle with faith.
Application - one of my personal litmus tests for myself is the area of faith. I am excited when I have faith. It has a way of making me feel like I am on the right track and that I can expect great things because we all know that God responds to faith, and without it, it is impossible to please God. Over the last months, in all honesty, my faith has had its struggles. There have been moments I've almost felt like He was going to drop me off on a desert island 3/4 the way through the journey, just in sight of the finish line, but not beyond it. I know that is not in His character or nature, but with mounting challenges and obstacles, there have been moments when I have felt like I am facing the impossible. I've felt like He must not be pleased with me. I've felt like I must be out of His will. Then, when I have recognized that wrong attitude, I have felt like I will be dropped off on that island simply because of my failure to trust Him. I am reminded by this verse that there will be times when the obstacles are big, and I will struggle with my faith, but He will still be faithful. Yes, Peter began to sink, but Jesus touched him and got him to the destination. Peters faith? NO. Jesus' faithfulness? YES.
Prayer - Lord, thank you that even when I lose faith, you are still faithful. In the end, my faith cannot make anything happen, but your faithfulness completes tasks every single time. You are awesome!
