So let us begin with a definition.
What does it mean to be faithful? Some of the adjectives used to define the word faithful include: reliability, steadfastness and consistency. Faithfulness also means loyalty and an unwavering affection or allegiance. Faithfulness is named as a fruit of the spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) so it is part of evidence of God’s spirit in us. Faithfulness especially to Christ may seem crazy in a world that struggles to stay truely faithful to anything or anyone but we can and will do it. We will be diligent and reliable for the sake of Christ (and with His wisdom) when we feel like giving up or it makes sense to follow the path most travelled. We will be consistent in our affection towards others and Christ. We will be faithful. We have it in us, afterall He who lives in us is faithful!
The bible has many beautiful illustrations of women as faithful to God and in the end receiving something wonderful. Faithfulness to Christ is nothing easy but in and of itself it is rewarding. How so? Because it will birth character, perserverance, a burning zeal for the kingdom and we will come out better than when we started your journey of loyalty to Him.
Anna (Luke 2:36) – Her story is short but so powerful. Anna had been widowed for many years and consequently spent the rest of her life consistently devoted to serving God through prayer and fasting. It is not stated explicitly but I believe we can make the assumption that she awaited the redemption of Jerusalem and she was able to see her hope manifested when she set eyes on the baby Jesus. Now if she was not faithful and grew tired of waiting for what she hoped for, she would not have seen the baby Jesus and His family. If she had not seen them, she would not have been able to tell others about Him. She was in the presence of God constantly, showed a great allegience and thus was able to receive a revelation of who Jesus was and the fact that her hope and the hope of many had arrived.
Faithfulness to God is never in vain. Through this faithfulness we can even help others as seen in the story of Anna. Yes we may grow weary but our weariness should thrust us further into God’s presence. As we faithfully serve God we also serve others whether we like it or not. People are not always going to be nice or reciprocate our efforts but as long as we stay steadfast in faithfulness to God, that is all that matters. We do not know the full extent of Anna’s reward aside from seeing and recognising our Lord and saviour but I have no doubt it is great. She epitomises Galatians 6:9 which tells us not to grow weary of doing good because in due time we will reap if we do not lose heart.
I pray that we begin to live faithfully and take heart and draw strength from this and the countless examples in the bible of faithfulness and its sweetness.