Page 29 - Contact Winter 2018
P. 29
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not
consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are
new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
(Lamentations 3: 22-23)
A year later in July 2012, Stephanie and On 5 October 2018, I played this hymn
I were getting married. As we would be at the funeral of a dear friend, Norma
returning to Papua New Guinea for Harpur. Here is what Norma wrote
another year of unsalaried mission- about this hymn: “Through all the years
ary service, we chose this hymn for I have followed Christ, God has always
our wedding to remind us that God is been faithful. The way has been hard
faithful and He is the one who would at times, but God has been with me,
provide for us. Month by month God giving me the strength, I have needed
graciously provided everything we day to day. He does not change, so the
needed to survive in PNG. I learnt so God of the Bible is the God I serve now,
much about depending on God for all and He is the God I will spend eternity
of my needs (rather than wants) to be with.” Norma’s testimony really spoke
supplied. to me and reminded me that God is
faithful and is the only One worthy to
In February 2015, Stephanie was be served.
diagnosed with cancer. While this was
a difficult time for us, I experienced Great Is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father!
God’s faithfulness in a much deeper There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
and richer way than ever before. Verse Though changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
3 of this hymn helped me reflect on As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
how God was enabling to us to cope
with what we were going through as Great Is Thy faithfulness,
a family. Day by day God poured in His Great Is Thy faithfulness,
peace, provided strength and gave me Morning by morning new mercies I see;
hope for the future. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me!
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.
Pardon for Sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Stuart Beattie
