SIGNS OF HIS FAITHFULNESS

Sometimes, God speaks to us most unexpectedly, often using others to remind us of His faithfulness.

They’re called signs for a reason. They’re meant to guide us in a particular direction or prevent us from going the wrong way. God provides us with signs of His faithfulness too. Signs that lead us in the direction we should go. Signs that draw us closer to Him.

This past weekend I experienced three.

First, on Friday afternoon, my sister Laura called me. She told me that God had placed it on her heart to step back. Not away, but back. That she’s done all she can to help guide me back to the Sacraments. That she’s giving it to God, trusting He will lead me where He wants me to be. 

Then, Sunday afternoon, my husband, John was sharing a personal experience he’d had at church that morning. He reminded me that my recovery journey had started with four weeks, but that I was now approaching 400 hundred weeks of sobriety and health. That was profound.

Finally, this morning, as John and I were talking over coffee, I shared with him that I’ve been feeling stuck. Or maybe, complacent is a better word. During the week, my job keeps me busy. It takes a lot of my focus. Then there’s the everyday stuff that has to get done. By the weekend, I’m usually pretty worn out. In my downtime, I don’t do much that requires me to step outside my comfort zone. So, yeah, feeling sort of stuck.

I shared with John that I’ve been asking God to show me what He wants me to do. What His purpose for me is. Where can I do the most good with the gift of healing He has so graciously given me?

God’s timing is not our timing.

John reminded me that God’s timing is not our timing. But that He’s with us in the wait. As I’m struggling in this boat of uncertainty I have to keep rowing. God will guide me safely to the shore, but I have to work too. Sometimes that’s the answer — keep my eyes on Him and continue rowing.

So before I started getting ready for work, I opened my Bible and randomly flipped to a page. I often do that. Sometimes the verse I stop on relates directly to my current circumstance. Other times, the meaning is revealed later. This morning it was immediately clear. I’d stopped on Psalm 86:15. 

Psalm 86 is a profound declaration of God’s nature and relationship with us. It professes that His compassion and mercy are unchanging and that they transcend time and circumstance.

God’s faithfulness requires our trust and obedience.

God extends His mercy and truth graciously, calling us to respond with faith, gratitude, and obedience. The circumstances I experienced this past weekend told me three things.

First, God was reminding me that He brought me this far.

That I’m called to trust in His enduring faithfulness. To keep my focus on Him and to seek His mercy and grace during this season of uncertainty. He will continue to guide me. He will not let me down.

Second, He was using others to demonstrate obedience.

God used Laura and John to remind me of His faithfulness, but also of my responsibilities. Laura exhibited obedience to God by reaching out to me. She showed me that trusting God means letting go of our desires and relying on His timing and purpose. In sharing his experiences, John reminded me that my recovery journey became possible the moment I surrendered it all to God. That obedience to God got me through those first weeks and every week that followed. I need to continue to walk in obedience and trust in Him now. 

Third, Psalm 86:15 demonstrates God’s unwavering mercy.

It was also instructing me to respond with faith, gratitude, and obedience. Faith that He’s always with me, even in the wait. Gratitude for every blessing and that He overcomes every uncertainty. Obedience to His purpose for me as it’s revealed.

It’s in His presence, when I’m completely focused on Him, that peace comes. In that peace comes truth. God’s plan is greater than my own. He’ll provide the courage and strength I need to follow where He leads me. No matter how far outside my comfort zone that is. 

In Your Presence, Lord.

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In Your presence Lord,

I find comfort and peace.

Hands clasped in prayer,

down on my knees.

You’ve brought me through,

so many storms.

When the world closes in,

You protect me from harm.

In Your presence Lord,

there’s no guilt and no shame.

You defend my weary soul,

with the power of Your Name.

I cry out to You,

and You always answer.

In Your presence Lord,

there’s no weakness, no anger.

You lift me up,

banish all darkness.

Your Spirit lights my way,

just as You promised.

ln Your presence Lord,

there’s no doubt and no fear.

Your Mercy never ends,

You welcome me here.

To the foot of the Cross,

where you purchased Salvation,

for lost souls like mine,

for all of Creation.

In Your presence Lord,

I find shelter and rest,

as the toils of this world,

bow to Your Holiness.

In Your presence Lord,

Truth overwhelms me,

breaking every chain,

and setting my soul free.

You alone, Lord,

are Faithful and True.

For all of my days,

I will glorify You.

_{JN Fenwick (© 2025) | mothjournal14}