"Fair Weather Followers"

"But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for awhile: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful." (Mat.13:20-22)

Just as it is easy to be a "fair weather fan" it is easy to be a fair weather follower of God.

Throughout history there have been many fair weather followers of God and of Jesus. When all is well and things are going our way, how easy it is to sing "O How I Love Jesus". While Jesus was healing and feeding the people he was thronged with crowds of followers but as he drew nearer to the cross an began to say some "hard things" they began to vanish!

There were those though, who did not go away, but who asked the question....."to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life." (John 6:67-68)
These are they, whether in good times or bad, which confess that "only God will do."
They know that God cannot fail, He must prevail! Even though the outward circumstances look bleak there is a confidence of heart that says with Job... "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him;....." (Job 13:15)
This is the faith once delivered to the saints. It perseveres and presses toward that heavenly city!

In our own day we are continually hearing of troubles in various areas and it is easy for me to get caught up in the negativity. I must always be reminded and remind myself that God is forever the same and his purposes are right on time and will not fail!

The words of Habakkuk came to mind as I considered, in particular, all of the economic turmoil of the day and its propensity to draw our minds from God's watchcare and faithfulness.

He says.... "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut of from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation." (Hab.3:17-18)