Sometimes we in the USA tend to idolize Christians in countries who face persecution. We can be inclined to make ‘saints’ of them and put them on a higher spiritual plain than us. But that is wrong. In India we see the extremes – the very best and the very worst of Christian actions. And often we see them both in the same person! Each conference, pastors who love and serve Jesus (and sometimes wives) admit how negligent they have been to their wives and families over the years. Several pastors we have known for years have deserted their families to live with other women, all the while keeping pastoring their church. Their families end up homeless and destitute.
No one is perfect. We all mess up. Each one of us. Unfortunately it is much easier to see the failures and mistakes in others than in our self. The good news, though, is that God doesn’t stop working with us when we fail. Neither is His plan thwarted by our failures. Think of Sampson, Jonah, David, Peter – the list can go on and on. Zachariah had the awesome privilege of being the father of John the Baptist at an advanced age. He even got a message directly from Gabriel in God’s temple. Yet he ruined it all by his unbelief. He didn’t respond in faith and obedience but in doubt and questioning. Do you ever doubt God’s promises? Do you ever question what He is doing in your life or in someone else’s’ life? Zechariah did and suffered the consequences. He wasn’t able to verbally pass on the good news of a son to his wife or the even better news of the coming of the Messiah to others. The Bible says he was righteous and blameless before God, but even he struggled in his faith. Sometimes we do as well.
But his disbelief didn’t negate God’s promise to him. God kept His promise and gave him a son anyway! Aren’t you glad God’s keeping His promises doesn’t depend on our faith? God’s Word is true if we believe it or not! Disbelieving is our loss, but doesn’t lessen the effectiveness of His promises. God’s plan continued. It wasn’t thwarted by Zechariah’s doubt. Isn’t it comforting to know that God’s plan is never upset by our distrust and disobedience? Our joy, blessing and peace are affected but never His plan. We can never frustrate that, no matter what we do. Thank God for that! Amen? Amen! (February 11, 2019 Kurnool, India)
Luke 1:13, 18-20 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.
2 Timothy 2:13 if we are faithless he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.
Do you know any imperfect Christians? (that’s a trick question) Is God’s promise or His plan thwarted by them? Pray and thank Him for His faithfulness despite our failure. Thank Him that His promises and plans for us remain unchanged no matter what we do.
Jerry Schmoyer
Christian Training Organization ©2019