By Ed Lyons

A little over a year ago, I was participating in the annual “Run/Walk for Water” hosted by Peninsula Grace Church in Soldotna, AK. The event took place immediately after their church service, where I provided an in-person update on all of our Nuba outreaches.

Fast forward a year, and our ministry updates to church partners look quite different. Most presentations are currently virtual through teleconferences or video.

Yet, while update methods may have changed, the heart of God has not changed, nor will it ever. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Unchanging.

This reminds me that, as followers of Christ, we are to remain steadfast, especially in our faith and in the work that God has assigned us. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Co 15:58)

The final chapter of Hebrews is full of directives on practical Christian living, which will portray the true gospel of Christ to the world. At the very start of the chapter, we are told to “let brotherly love continue”, to entertain strangers, to remember the prisoners, to honor marriage, and to be content with such as we have.

When we finally arrive at Hebrews 13:5, we understand why Christians have reason to be content in all circumstances and within all trials. “For Jesus Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” I prefer the following translation of that passage. “I will never, no, never leave thee, no, never forsake thee.” No less than five negatives in the original Greek to emphasize the impossibility that Christ would ever abandon His followers. Steadfast and unchanging, as He wants His people to be.

Last month, Peninsula Grace continued their annual 5K Run/Walk for Water. Covid-19 has not closed the doors of their church building, nor has it diminished the faith of its members. The work of the Lord abounds, and their efforts are not in vain.