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In Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8, we are reminded of the unchanging nature of our heavenly Father. While this unique attribute of God may appear to be of little consequence to us at first glance, studying the Scriptures reveals the many benefits this attribute provides us.
For example, God's unchanging nature means that His love for us never changes. This was exemplified in Jesus' parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32, where this son decided to leave his father and squandered his early inheritance on sinful, unfrugal living. Despite experiencing great pleasure for a season, he soon found himself in immense suffering from poverty, hunger, and loneliness. Although he returned to his father knowing he deserved nothing and offering to become a servant, the son instead received great love and many blessings from his patient and loving father. Likewise, when we fall into sin and rebellion, we need not attempt to earn back God's love, for He freely and eagerly gives it to all who return to Him in faith and repentance. As Jeremiah 31:3 reassures us, God's love for His people is everlasting. Thus, God's love is one thing that will always remain unchanging, even when we sin against him.
Another immutable aspect of our heavenly Father is His faithfulness. An excellent example of this is found in Joseph's account, where he received two dreams from the Lord in Genesis 37. Although these dreams foretold of his God-given destiny to receive great authority over his brothers, it was not until many years had passed before Joseph experienced their fulfillment. In fact, his life between these two events was filled with many tumultuous hardships, from being sold into slavery by his own brothers to spending years in prison for a crime he never committed. Despite these hardships, the Lord not only sustained Joseph, but made him prosperous and eventually fulfilled His promise to him in His perfect timing. Likewise, we can be certain that God will always be with us and keep His promises, even amid our greatest tribulations. Such is promised in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Numbers 29:19, where He promises to never leave or forsake us and to always fulfill what He promises. Thus, God's faithfulness is yet another immutable aspect of His nature that should increase our faith in Him.
One other unchanging aspect of God is His Word. This contrasts with the word of man, which is prone to folly, change, and even destruction. This mutable nature is apparent on a daily basis, such as when we make plans for the following day on our own accord, only to change them due to unforeseen circumstances or poor planning. Such is why seeking the Lord in prayer and studying His Word is so crucial for our daily lives. For example, Psalm 119:105 notes how His Word is like a light that guides us in the way we should live. Also, Matthew 24:35 and Isaiah 40:8 remind us how God's Word is eternal and unchanging regardless of what happens in this world. Furthermore, Jesus instructs us in Matthew 4:4 to live according to God's words and commands. Thus, while our own words, thoughts, and plans are imperfect and vulnerable to what happens in this world, God's perfect Word always remains the same.
Placing our faith in the things of this world is foolish, for nearly every facet of it and mankind are constantly changing. Conversely, God alone is worthy of our trust, for in Him is a constant source of love, faithfulness, and truth. By trusting in Him for providence from these immutable attributes, He empowers us to live a successful Christian life that can withstand the storms of this life, trust in His promises and plans, and share His perfect love with others.
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