Great is Thy Faithfulness
Bible Reading: Lamentations 3:19-26
God called Jeremiah into his prophetic ministry, forewarning him of troubles to come both for him and especially for his people. Jeremiah was faithful to fulfill his ministry, undeterred in the face of persecution, repeatedly warning the people of God’s pending judgment. The people refused to heed Jeremiah’s warnings, and in God’s timing judgment came.
King Nebuchnezzar of Babylon captured Jerusalem after a very long siege. Over the next few months the temple and royal palace were destroyed by fire and the city walls were torn down. All the vessels and furnishings from the temple were confiscated and sent to Babylon. People lay dead in the streets. Others were taken captive to Babylon. Only a few poor people were left to tend the land. Jeremiah was a witness to it all–the death, the sorrow, the pain, the cries for help, the tears, the utter gut-wrenching horror of it all. So we are not surprised when we read of Jeremiah’s response: “My endurance has perished; so has my hope from the Lord” (Lamentations 3:18).
It’s not just that Jeremiah’s circumstances were terrible, which they were, but they were a direct affront to all he loved and held dear–the city, the temple, the priesthood, his people. It’d be hard to imagine the agony he must have felt. It’s in this context that we read, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope” (Lamentations 3:21). Here’s a great example of why it is important that we think rightly about God. Jeremiah’s circumstances were saying one thing (doom), but there were better thoughts, truths bound up in God, that Jeremiah needed to remind himself of if he were to find hope.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him’ (Lamentations 3:22-24).” Jeremiah reminded himself of the steadfast love, mercies, and faithfulness of God. Perhaps he thought back to the promises of future blessings God had spoken of through him. Or, maybe he reminded himself of how God led him to buy a piece of property in that doomed region, assuring Jeremiah that “houses and fields and vineyards shall again be bought in this land (Jeremiah 32:15). In reminding himself of God’s faithfulness, the fact that He will always do as He has promised, Jeremiah found hope. What about you? Are you facing challenges that threaten to overwhelm you? Are you losing hope amidst the chaos of these uncertain days? Remind yourself of how God has proven Himself faithful in your past. Lay hold of some promises in His word that you can meditate on. Encourage yourself in the precious truth that you can always count on God!
Heavenly Father. How we praise You for your faithfulness! No matter what we face in life, You are always faithful. We can count on You to fulfill every single promise in Your Word. Forgive us that though You’ve proven Yourself faithful to us time-after-time, we have not always trusted You as we should. May our hearts find great hope and assurance in Your faithfulness, that we might walk in a manner pleasing to You.
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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