“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”
(2 Timothy 2:13)
When God makes a promise, He fulfills it perfectly. He is all-knowing and all-powerful, and nothing can stand in the way of His purposes. But what makes His promises all the more astonishing is how many of them He has directed toward the good of those who walk before Him in faith and obedience.
An example from Scripture is seen early in King Solomon’s reign. When the Lord invited him to ask for anything, Solomon didn’t pursue self-interest. Instead, he asked for wisdom to govern God’s people. In response, the Lord not only granted his request but added more than he asked:
“Because you did not ask for riches, wealth or honor… but for wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you” (2 Chronicles 1:11–12).
And true to His Word, God kept His promise. The Queen of Sheba traveled far to see for herself whether the reports of Solomon’s greatness were true. Her conclusion? “The half was not told to me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceeds the fame which I heard” (1 Kings 10:7).
This same God still rules today. He is the unchanging Promise-Keeper. He has not grown weary of upholding His covenant. He remains faithful even when we fall short. “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). His covenant mercy stands secure because it is grounded in His unshakable character.
He invites His people to seek Him, walk in His ways, and trust His Word. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). These promises of God are not empty words; they are living anchors for weary souls.
So then, let us pursue righteousness, holiness, and obedience—not to earn God’s favor, but because His promises are sure. He is faithful to bless, faithful to preserve, and faithful to bring about what He has spoken. He cannot lie, and He cannot fail. Our Father God is the Great Promise-Keeper.
Contemplations:
- A Covenant Not of My Making. I am not the keeper of my own future. God, in His mercy, has secured my hope in an unbreakable covenant of grace. “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). For this reason I will rest not in my performance but in His promise.
- A New Day, A Kept Promise. Every morning I rise is proof of God’s ongoing faithfulness. He has brought me safely to this hour, and He will carry me through. “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). I want to entrust every aspect of today into His hands.
- Promises Before Time Began. God’s goodness to me did not begin with my birth; it was planned before the world’s foundation. “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began” (Titus 1:2). I marvel that His mercy was prepared for me long before I ever knew my need.
- When I Fail, He Remains. My faith may waver, my obedience may falter, but God remains faithful. “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). I want to thank Him not only for what He does, but for who He is—unchanging, unfailing, and full of mercy.
Prayer
[Thanksgiving to a Never Failing God]
O Lord my God, I lift my voice in thanksgiving to You, the God who never fails. Your Word declares, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13). And I have found this to be true again and again. Though I am often weak, You are constant. Though I stumble, You uphold me. Though I forget, You remember. You are ever faithful not because of me, but because of who You are.
Father, I thank You that You have not left my comfort or hope in my own hands. You have secured it by a covenant of grace, sealed with the blood of Your Son, and confirmed with the oath of heaven. When I feel the weight of guilt, I look to Christ, the Mediator of that covenant, and I find peace. When the enemy accuses, I run to Your promises and find refuge. What a mercy it is to have Your unchanging Word as my anchor!
Thank You, Lord, for the wisdom of Your providence. You direct the course of my days for my good and Your glory. Each new morning is a fresh testimony that You are near. You sustain me when I do not ask, protect me when I do not see, and provide for needs I have not yet known. You’ve been better to me than I ever deserved.
Thank You for the promises prepared for me before the world began—promises that do not depend on my strength but on Your eternal counsel. Before I ever drew breath, You planned my redemption. Before I ever called on Your name, You set Your love upon me. O Lord, how rich is Your mercy!
Even when I waver, You remain true. You never deny Your Word, never forsake Your people, never fail in any part of Your plan. I praise You not only for the blessings I see, but for the faithfulness behind every one of them. You are the Great Promise-Keeper, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude.
Lord, help me live today in light of Your promises. “I have been wretchedly careless, of dealing honorably or justly with thy Divine Majesty, and of keeping my word with You, though you are always faithful, and cannot fail in the least tittle of Your word with me. Lord be merciful to me.”[1]
Let me not be anxious, for You are my Provider. Let me not be fearful, for You are my Shield. Let me not be discouraged, for You are my Strength. I thank You for every good and perfect gift that flows from Your hand.
And above all, I thank You for Christ. In Him every promise is Yes and Amen. In Him I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. In Him I see the full display of Your covenant love.
All praise be to You, O faithful God. In the name of Jesus Christ, Your faithful Son, I give thanks. Amen.
Further References for 2 Timothy 2:13
Romans 3:3; 1 Corinthians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:24; Titus 1:2; Numbers 23:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Psalm 89:33
[1] John Kettlewell, A Companion for the Penitent, (London: Printed for Robert Kettlewell, and sold by Benj. Bragg .., 1694), 23.
