Seeing God’s Faithfulness in the Middle of Human Brokenness

I have been spending time reading through the Bible, tracing God’s covenants from the very beginning. And one truth keeps rising to the surface: over and over again, people fail—but God’s promises keep moving forward. As my grandmother used to say, “The proof is in the pudding.” The evidence of His faithfulness is right there in the story.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

This truth has been especially grounding for me in a season when Christians sometimes speak past each other, or even against each other, based on worship styles, denominational differences, or questions of calling. I’ve heard sincere believers tell others, “You’re not Christian enough,” or “Your way of worship is wrong,” as if our salvation depends on personality or preference rather than the finished work of Christ. Some churches build elaborate step‑by‑step systems to help people move from brokenness into Jesus’ arms. Others insist they are “not religious,” but still create their own unwritten rules and expectations.

And as a woman (AND a senior citizen!!) who loves Scripture, theology, and the proclamation of the gospel, I’ve felt tension in certain circles. I can study anything in the world, but the moment I love studying the Bible or feel the Holy Spirit stirring me to preach or bear witness to Christ, suddenly that passion is questioned. But when I lift my eyes back to Scripture, I find peace again. No human system—no opinion, structure, or tradition—can stop the forward movement of God’s promises. I have preached on the Old Testament and God’s Covenant so many times, but should we not cease in celebrating His Glory? So here it is again:

The Old Testament: A Story of Human Failure and Divine Faithfulness

Throughout its pages, humanity fails repeatedly, yet God remains faithful. Adam and Eve disobey God in the garden (Genesis 3), but He still seeks them, clothes them, and promises that one day the serpent will be crushed (Genesis 3:15, 21). As wickedness fills the earth in Noah’s time (Genesis 6:5), God preserves Noah’s family and establishes a covenant of mercy symbolized by the rainbow (Genesis 8:20–22; 9:8–17). Abraham lies about Sarah (Genesis 12:10–20; 20:1–18), doubts God’s promise (Genesis 17:17; 18:12), and takes matters into his own hands with Hagar (Genesis 16). Yet God patiently reaffirms His covenant again and again, providing Isaac just as He promised (Genesis 17:19; 21:1–3).

The same pattern continues with Abraham’s descendants. Isaac repeats his father’s mistakes by lying about Rebekah (Genesis 26:6–11). Jacob deceives his father and cheats his brother (Genesis 27). Their household fractures under the weight of favoritism. But God still renews His covenant with Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 26:24; 28:13–15) and even blesses Jacob with a new name—Israel (Genesis 32:28).

Joseph’s brothers betray him and sell him into slavery (Genesis 37), but God works through the injustice, remaining with Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:2–3) and turning their evil intent into salvation for many during a famine (Genesis 50:20).

Israel’s story is no different. Delivered from Egypt, the people complain, rebel (Exodus 15–17), melt down their gold for an idol (Exodus 32), and refuse to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 13–14). Yet God keeps providing, forgiving, and leading, ultimately bringing the next generation into the land He promised (Deuteronomy 31:7–8). During the chaotic time of the judges, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25), God continues sending deliverers. Even when the kings fail—Saul’s disobedience (1 Samuel 15), David’s sin (2 Samuel 11–12), Solomon’s idolatry (1 Kings 11:1–13)—God still preserves the line of David and promises a coming King whose throne will last forever (2 Samuel 7:12–16). And though the people are eventually exiled for persistent rebellion (2 Kings 17; 25), God promises restoration, a new covenant, and a new heart (Jeremiah 31:31–34; Ezekiel 36:26–28).

A Faithful God in a Failing World

The message woven through every page is unchanging: humans fail, but God is faithful. His promises march forward. His covenant stands firm. His redemption story never collapses—not under sin, not under rebellion, not under fear, and not under the judgments of people.

This truth steadies my soul. It invites me—and all of us—to worship, praise, and adore our Father, our Savior Jesus, and the Holy Spirit who forms Christ in us. And as we look ahead to the Kingdom that is coming, we remember that this world is not our home. God’s promises have carried His people from Eden to exile to Christ—and they will carry us, too.

🙏 Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the faithfulness that flows through every page of Scripture and every season of our lives. When we fall short, Your mercy rises to meet us. When we wander, Your covenant love draws us back. Teach us to trust Your promises more than our performance, and to rest in the grace that carries us when we cannot carry ourselves. Holy Spirit, keep our hearts soft, teachable, and open to Your leading. Form Christ within us, even in our weakness. Let Your presence anchor us in every storm and guide us in every step, Lord Jesus. Help us to fix our eyes on You—the fulfillment of every promise and the hope of every generation. As we wait for Your Kingdom, keep us worshiping, loving, and serving with joy. Let our lives reflect Your faithfulness to a world in need. In Jesus holy and precious name, Amen.