God’s Provision In Faithfulness
Faithfulness is often celebrated in times of triumph, when our plans come to fruition and blessings overflow. But what does faithfulness look like in the grip of difficulty, disappointment, or prolonged waiting? In a recent sermon, Pastor Jim Toth explored this very topic, sharing honest stories, biblical reflections, and encouraging truths. Let’s dive deep into “God’s Providence in Faithfulness”—gleaning wisdom on how to hold onto faith when life is anything but easy.
Real Struggles: Feeling Forgotten and Alone
Pastor Jim began by sharing a poignant memory from a missions trip to Hungary, his ancestral homeland. Invited to speak at a Bible Institute, his Hungarian heritage made the occasion special, but the true impact came after his message. A young mother approached him, desperate for encouragement. She had a 10-year-old son who was physically and mentally disabled, often violent, and the isolation was tearing her apart. “I feel alone and forgotten,” she confessed—a sentiment Pastor Jim understood all too well, recalling times when his own disabled daughter faced rejection and misunderstanding in their Chicago neighborhood.
This deep sense of loneliness is not rare. Even spiritual giants experience it. Pastor Jim referenced 2 Timothy 4:16, where Paul writes, “At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me.” If the apostle Paul could feel forsaken, surely we are not immune.
Here’s the truth: Hard times can make us feel invisible, forgotten by others, and even by God.
Joseph’s Faithfulness: A Portrait of Trust in God’s Character
The biblical story of Joseph is one of the richest examples of faithfulness in adversity. Pastor Jim reminded listeners of Joseph’s trajectory:
Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery
Falsely accused and thrown into prison
Forgotten by those he helped, left languishing in a dungeon
And yet, scripture repeatedly testifies that “the Lord was with Joseph.” Even in prison—after being overlooked and betrayed—God’s providence was quietly at work. Joseph was exactly where God wanted him to be, preparing him for the role he would soon play in saving nations.
Pastor Jim summarized: Faithfulness in hard times trusts in God’s character. Even when we don’t see the end, or when affliction seems too much to bear, the sovereignty and goodness of God remain unchanged.
Trusting in God’s Presence: You’re Never Alone
How do we find comfort in hard times when God feels distant? Pastor Jim pointed to Joshua 1:9, where God encourages Joshua as he steps into Moses’ shoes to lead Israel: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
This was not just God’s promise to Joshua; it’s God’s promise to you.
Hardship often clouds our ability to sense God’s closeness. We pray, we wait, and circumstances seem unmoved. It’s here that we’re reminded: “You can’t, but God can.” Our limitations are God’s opportunity to display His strength and presence. As Pastor Jim shared, “It’s easy to get disheartened when times are hard…but God is still there.”
Trusting in God’s Purpose: There is Meaning in the Struggle
Why does God allow us to endure hard times? If He’s all-powerful and loving, why not remove adversity?
Joseph’s life offers insight. Sold into slavery and later elevated to Pharaoh’s right hand, Joseph ultimately recognized God’s hand even in his suffering. His trials positioned him to interpret Pharaoh’s dream, save Egypt from famine, and, remarkably, rescue the very family that betrayed him.
Every hard time has a purpose, Pastor Jim preached. Quoting Romans 5:3-5, he explained, “Affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope… The purpose of hard times is to develop the character that you and I need: to be more like Christ.”
When you feel the weight of hardship, know this: God is using it to shape you for something greater, sometimes in ways you cannot yet see.
Practical Encouragement: How to Remain Faithful
Be Honest With God: Pastor Jim shared how even Paul questioned and cried out to God. Don’t be afraid to express your doubts, pain, and fears—He can handle it.
Look for God’s Faithfulness: Sometimes we need reminders of God’s care. Keep notes or memories of His past faithfulness close—a testimony not just to His actions, but to His unchanging nature.
Encourage One Another: As Pastor Jim came alongside the young Hungarian mother, we are called to bear each other’s burdens. Seek out support, and be that support for others.
Trust God With the Outcome: We may not have all the answers (as Pastor Jim admitted when unable to give the Hungarian mother a simple solution), but we can assure one another that God’s plan is always good, even when the journey is long.
Practice Patience: Joseph’s story, and indeed many biblical accounts, emphasize the virtue of waiting well. Pastor Jim humorously admitted, “God's always trying to teach me patience, but I don't have time for it.” And yet, patience is forged precisely in those drawn-out seasons of waiting.
A Personal Challenge: From Despair to Dependence
If you’re reading this and feeling as though you’re at the end of your rope, remember this closing truth: Hard times are not a failure of God’s plan—they are part of it. Joseph’s imprisonment was not a detour; it was the pathway to his calling. The struggles Pastor Jim’s family endured with their daughter were not pointless, but part of God’s work in their lives.
You may not see the reasons now. You may not get easy answers. Sometimes, like the mother in Hungary, all you can do is admit your need and hold onto hope.
Our Hope: You Can’t—But God Can
Independence is celebrated in many cultures (especially on holidays like the Fourth of July, as Pastor Jim noted), but spiritual life calls us to dependence—not on our own strength, but on God’s. When you face challenges too great to bear, remember: You can’t, but God can. His faithfulness is your anchor.
If you’ve never experienced God’s transforming power, the greatest step you can take is to invite Him into your struggle. The journey may not get easier overnight, but you’ll find new strength, comfort, and purpose in His presence.
And for those wrestling through a season of difficulty—aching with questions and tears—stand firm. Faithfulness isn’t the absence of doubt, nor is it the denial of pain. It’s holding on, trusting the One who sees the end from the beginning, and believing that every hard time is being woven into a greater story for your good and His glory.
If this message resonates, reach out to someone who can pray with you or for you. Remember, in Christ, we are never alone in our struggles—and God’s providence is always at work.
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Stay faithful, keep trusting, and remember: You may not be able, but God is.