Session 23

God is always faithful

From Genesis: A 7-Week Devotional

When the pregnancy tests all come back negative, when it would be easier to cut corners at work, when our bank balance doesn’t cover the bills, or when our spouse is being unfaithful, how do we respond?

Do we try to fix things ourselves? Do we get on our knees in prayer?

In Genesis 30, Rachel tries to take control by offering her servant to her husband in an attempt to “be enough” as a wife. Rather than waiting on God, Rachel tries to take His place and do things her way.

When we are faithless, God remains faithful

In spite of Rachel’s unfaithfulness, God remains faithful. And just as God was faithful to Rachel, He is faithful to us. Because faithful is who God is. When we are faithless, God remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself (2 Timothy 2:13).

God is loyal, always reliable, full of wisdom and completely sovereign. When we run away or try to take control, like Rachel did, God does not panic (Psalm 103:8-14). He is not sitting in heaven coming up with contingency plans. He loves us, pursues us, and awaits our return, just as He did with Rachel.

In Genesis 30:23, Rachel acknowledges God’s work by saying, “He has taken away my disgrace.” He took away her shame and any mark on her reputation, and He wants to do the same for us, no matter how undeserving we feel of His grace and mercy.

That’s the beauty of the Gospel. Often we try to take God’s place by going forward with our own plans rather than seeking His wisdom. When we are faithless and full of pride, God is faithful. At any moment, we can drop to our knees with whatever life throws at us and trust in our faithful God.

Reflect:

• Is there any situation you’ve been trying to control and need to bring to God today?
• As you put God in control of that situation, what’s one thing you need to stop doing and one thing you can start doing?
• Can you remember a time when you gave your life to Jesus and He took away your disgrace? If not, salvation might be your next step. Learn more here or stop by the Care Room on Sunday.