5 minute read
Faith and Family
by Donna Whartenby
Unshakable Truth
Have you ever considered the power in the words you speak? In the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-39), Jesus had a powerful conversation with her about her life. She was a lonely, social outcast, living with the sixth man with whom she was not married. She was not proud of this lifestyle, going to the well during the hottest part of the day to avoid the rebukes and admonishing sneers of the women from her village. However, Jesus spoke forgiveness and hope into her life. She was so grateful for His message that she put her faith in Him. She then shared His message with the villagers.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation (Psalm 25:5 NKJV). The Bible contains the unshakable truth God wants us to know: how we can live pleasing to Him, why we are chosen and loved, what He wants us to do as a part of His plan, and the eternal hope we have in Him.
His truth also tells a love story—the story of God’s creation. God loved the world so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth (John 3:16). Having faith in who Jesus is enables us to receive God’s forgiveness for our sinful ways of living, just like the Samaritan woman. Our love story does not stop with forgiveness. Having belief in Jesus Christ, who sacrificed His life as payment for our sinful ways, saves us from the judgment of eternal punishment. We can live joyfully knowing we will have everlasting life for eternity with God. This powerful promise of truth will remain with you forever.
This truth also shows us the reality of evil forces. Today’s movies and literary works remind us that evil is all around us. Evil forces speak lies of deceit and tempt us to turn away from God’s ways. We have been born into a fallen and evil world that Adam and Eve ushered in when they disobeyed God’s will in the Garden of Eden. But speaking and following God’s powerful truth protects us from the evil and deceitful path. God promises to guide us in truth (John 16:13). When we face challenging circumstances and don’t know where to turn, we can turn to God’s Word with His unshakable, unchangeable truth. God’s truth will guide and direct us through our circumstances, revealing the way He wants us to go.
As God guides us down the right path, He will also make the right decisions clear. Then, your fear and feelings of being lost and helpless will be replaced with understanding that God is with you.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
(PSALM 23:4 NLT)
When my worry is great within me, Your comfort brings joy to my soul.
(PSALM 94:19 NLV)
God’s Word will give you peace and comfort in challenging times.
God loves us (1 John 4:8). He created us in His image (Genesis 1:27). His unconditional love (1 Corinthians 13) is called agape love. God is the very definition of love. God’s truth is love.
As you come to know and believe in God and His truth, your love will grow, too.
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. (1 JOHN 4:16 NLT)
It is powerful when you speak in truth and love. When you embrace God’s perfect truth and love, you can claim the same powerful love for others: your spouse, children, neighbors, and your brothers and sisters in Christ. Jesus said, “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you” (John 15:12 NLT). When we speak in love, we should, therefore, speak the powerful words of God’s truth.
Now, let us bring this around to how we can speak unshakable truth with our family.
Teach your children and grandchildren God’s Word in truth–how to live pleasing to Him. God’s truth is unchangeable. By living His way, we can faithfully and confidently teach our children God’s unchanging, unshakable truth. Teach them about Jesus’ love and the love He calls us to have for one another. Teach your children that because God forgives us, they can learn how to forgive others. God’s truth gives us peace, comfort, and joy when we follow His will, allowing us to stay on the path God directs us to walk. Teach them to listen for God’s gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV). Teach them the joy and hope of knowing God, His truth, and His ways and that to believe in this will bring them the assurance of eternal life with Him.
Teach them God’s unshakable truth. Teach them God’s unchangeable love. Set them up for a life of joy, hope, and eternal life with Him.
His truth also tells a love story— the story of God’s creation.”
Donna Whartenby is a #1 best-selling author of Unshakable: God Will Sustain You. With her degree in education, she taught in public schools and later became a corporate education facilitator. She developed curricula and taught professional and personal development skills. Now retired, Donna leads women’s ministry church activities and events, encouraging women in their walk with Jesus. She loves teaching Bible studies, plays the piano, and enjoys singing in choir and praise team. Donna lives in Florida and has been married to her loving and supportive husband, Keith, for over 41 years. They have a son, Bill, who, with his wife, blessed them with three wonderful grandchildren. Their family vacations often take them where they can discover the beauty of God’s creation in nature.
