In the film The Painted Veil, an unhappily married couple—Walter and Kitty Fane—trek into China’s rural Guangxi Province where cholera is decimating the locals. Their visit is hardly altruistic. Walter has caught Kitty in an affair and this trip is her punishment.
While Walter, a bacteriologist, fights the disease, Kitty offers her services to the Catholic-run hospital. One day the nun overseeing the hospital speaks of her own troubled “marriage”: “I fell in love when I was 17—with God,” she says. “Over the years my feelings have changed. He’s disappointed me. Ignored me. Over the years we’ve settled into a relationship of peaceful indifference.”
Surrounded by cholera and feeling disappointed by God, the nun vows faithfulness. A honorable stand?
A young pastor named Timothy once faced his own hardships. His church was being persecuted, some of his church leaders were teaching falsely (1 Timothy 1:3), his confidence was shaky (4:12-16), and his mentor was imprisoned (2 Timothy 1:8). So the apostle Paul sent him some song lyrics as encouragement (2:11-13). The song unequivocally calls for perseverance (v.12). Like the nun in The Painted Veil, Timothy was called to stay with God when the joys of faith dissipated.
But Paul adds a vital point: God is faithful to us when we disappoint Him (v.13). The God who faithfully helps us persevere (1 Corinthians 1:8-9), fight temptation (10:13), and face spiritual attack (2 Thessalonians 3:3), is by very nature faithful (Exodus 34:6).
The nun’s comments ring with pride—painting the picture of a faithful follower who abides when the moody God ignores her. The apostle Paul challenges this theology. God is no indifferent heavenly spouse, but a Lover who cannot be anything but faithful to us—His bride.
More:
Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds (Psalm 36:5).
Next:
When have you felt most disappointed with God? How has God shown His faithfulness to you, even when you were unfaithful to Him?
Soldier4Christ on April 19, 2010 at 10:18 am
This devotion begs the question, is it God who sometimes seems to ignore us or is it us really ignoring God. Listening to Dr. Charles Stanley’s sermon this morning, he was saying how sometimes when we pray and don’t get an answer and it seems as though God is ignoring us, really it is God waiting on us to listen to what He is really saying. I have heard several pastors say that God always is faithful to answer our prayers but we have to understand that sometimes the answer God gives isn’t the one that we that we want. For God knows what is best for each of us and He knows our true needs. I know that my God is always faithful to answer my prayers and I know that sometimes I need to be a better listener.
veggiemamma on April 19, 2010 at 11:50 am
I agree with Soldier. I had a lesson in listening this morning. My son and I had spent the weekend with friends. I have a key and was the last to leave. I asked my son if he had his cell charger (we were 7 miles away). He told me, ‘no’. I was immediately frustrated and said this. My son felt bad and I turned around to return to get the charger. After going inside to get the charger, my van would not start. Frustration mounted! I prayed that the Lord would work but the van still did not start. I called my friend who told me that there was a battery charger in the garage that should instantly revive my battery. Going to the garage, I found it locked and needed my key. This was a problem as no one would be at the house for a few days but the dog. The dog’s bed, food and water were in the garage! If we would not have gone back, that poor animal would not have had shelter for nurishment!
Of course, my van started. I had to apologize to my son and the Lord. God’s plan was much bigger and more loving that the quick inconvenience of a forgotten cell charger! I just need to trust HIM.
sheridan voysey on April 19, 2010 at 7:14 pm
One of the nice things about being a writer for ODJ is simply the lessons you learn from readers of your work. Veggiemamma, this is a great story! And what a lesson about patient listening…
graceofGod on April 19, 2010 at 11:52 pm
Hi Ted, I am happy that you choose to remain faithful to your wife. In my case,God has been faithful. My husband of 24 years has been committing adultery with his ex for 5 years now, though when they started she was a married woman with 2 sons. She told her husband that she is seeing someone and he has since divorced her. So my husband feels that it is his responsibility to take care of her. He does not want a divorce but no longer treats me as a wife. He shows no remorse. However, God has assured me through His Word in Psalms 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God.” and Exodus 14:14″ The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” that He is in control of the situation. Throughout my suffering He has lifted me up again and again and helped me to remain faithful. So I would like to urge you and your wife to commit your marriage to the Lord and obey His Word, no matter how difficult it is.Then you will begin to see His wondrous Hand at work. I will remember you in my prayers.
msumalabe on April 20, 2010 at 12:22 am
In times like these wherein my husband and I are facing financial difficulties, I am thankful that I am reminded of the faithfulness of our Lord. Indeed His grace is sufficient; His mercies are new every morning.
Thank you Sheridan and Soldier4Christ for sharing such encouraging words.
graceofGod on April 20, 2010 at 8:53 am
Hi Ted,
You are SO right. Ironically, it takes tremendous strength to be still. I know it first hand because I am one person who is very pro-active. I told God that He has given me a very difficult command because it goes against my very character. But don’t worry, if we perservere and let God know that we are willing to obey, He will give you the strength by His grace. I have also learnt this first hand.
sheridan voysey on April 19, 2010 at 7:18 pm
Thanks for sharing, Joyce. I too have a few prayer requests that have so far gone ‘unanswered’. I can’t help but imagine what it will be like asking God about these things when we stand before Him face to face (if those things will even matter then). One thing is for sure – no matter what God gives as the reason for these requests not coming about, we’ll know they won’t come from indifference but active, radical, faithful love.
sheridan voysey on April 19, 2010 at 7:22 pm
Hi Ted. I’m very sorry to hear about your marriage problems – and heartened to hear about your stand to pursue godly faithfulness. Have you and your wife been able to try outside help through a counsellor or pastor?
Lord God, we ask for your powerful, gracious, loving intervention in Ted’s marriage.
In Jesus’ name, we ask it.
Amen.