In Part 3 of our Discovering Faith series, we’re talking about faithfulness, not just as a trait, but as the fruit the Holy Spirit produces in us as we walk with God every day. It’s not flashy. It’s not always easy. But it’s powerful.

This week, we look at Ghost of Tsushima and how Jin Sakai’s journey reflects the kind of faithfulness that shows up in real life, built on a foundation, tested through emotion, and lived out in hard choices.

Blog Version

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been diving deep into this conversation on faith. We started with the basics in Part 1: What is Faith? Then, in Part 2, we explored Saving Faith, what it looks like to trust Jesus for salvation, and how that trust begins, grows, and leads us into action.

This week, we’re discussing faithfulness, that steady, grounded walk that stems from a daily relationship with God. It’s not flashy. It’s not always fun. But it is powerful.

To help us see how this plays out, we’re taking a game that holds a special place in my heart: Ghost of Tsushima.

---

Past: Faithfulness Has a Starting Point

At its core, faithfulness means being steadfast and unwavering. And those words alone tell you, there had to be a beginning. You don’t drift into faithfulness. Someone has to step out and set the example.

In Ghost of Tsushima, that example is Lord Shimura, Jin Sakai’s uncle. He’s a shogun, a leader, a man of honor. And Jin, from a young age, watches and learns. He sees his uncle’s loyalty to the land and to their people. That example inspires Jin to be faithful too, even when everything falls apart.

Similarly, our example comes from the Lord. Lamentations 3:22–23 says this:

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.”

God’s faithfulness has been there from the beginning. But let’s be honest, sometimes it’s hard to see that. Sometimes we assume God’s supposed to do things our way… and when He doesn’t, we question His faithfulness. But the truth is: God is always faithful to His purpose, His Word, and His people, even when we don’t understand it in the moment.

---

Present: Faithfulness Hits Different in Hard Times

There’s something that happens when we remember how faithful God has been. When we read Scripture, when we hear testimonies, when we look back on the times He’s carried us, that remembrance stirs something in us.

In the game, Jin starts in a dark place. The Mongols have invaded, his uncle has been captured, and everything is falling apart. People are telling him to run, to give up, and just survive. But something in him won’t let go.

Why? Because he remembers. He remembers his uncle’s faithfulness. That memory stirs up courage and resolve.

The same thing happens to us. Psalm 13 is this raw, emotional cry from David where he feels abandoned and forgotten. But in verse 5, he pivots:

“But I have trusted in Your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.”

That’s it. That’s the turn. That’s where faithfulness begins to take root, not in perfect circumstances, but in remembering that God has always been good… and choosing to trust Him now.

---

Future: Faithfulness is Proven in the Walk

Here’s the deal: faithfulness isn’t about one big moment. It’s not about a Sunday service high or a mountaintop moment at camp. It’s a daily decision.

In Ghost of Tsushima, Jin loses just about everything: his title, his reputation, his identity as a samurai. But he doesn’t walk away. He stays faithful to the mission: protect the land. Protect the people. Even if it costs him everything.

And that’s where our faithfulness is also tested. When things don’t go the way we expected. When being obedient means letting go of comfort, or status, or even relationships. Faithfulness says, “Even if this hurts, I’ll still follow Jesus.”

We see this beautifully in Jesus Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, just before His crucifixion, He was overwhelmed. He sweated blood. He begged God, “If there’s any other way, take this cup from me.” But then He says something that echoes through eternity:

“Not my will, but Yours be done.”

That’s where faithfulness lives. Right there in the middle of the pain, the doubt, the pressure. It’s not about pretending you’re fine. It’s about pressing forward because you trust the One who called you.

---

A Quick Word from Our Journey

I had a moment while filming this episode, realizing that we’ve been doing Geek Devotions for almost 9 years. (Season 10 starts in 3 weeks!) Every Friday. That’s nearly a decade of devotions, geeky content, and walking out the mission God gave us.

I don’t say that to brag. Honestly, it’s humbling. There have been seasons where Celeste and I were exhausted, discouraged, and questioning if this was still worth doing. But time and again, God reminded us of His faithfulness. And that kept us going. He used our community, our church, and even some of you reading this right now, to keep us grounded.

Faithfulness is hard. But you don’t have to walk it alone. Find a community that can help you stay rooted and remain faithful.

---

Final Thoughts

Faithfulness doesn’t grow overnight. It’s built through remembering God’s goodness, being stirred in the middle of the mess, and choosing daily to keep walking, even when it’s hard.

So here’s the challenge:

• Look back and remember: How has God shown His faithfulness to you?
• Ask yourself: Are you choosing to trust Him today?
• And commit: What does daily faithfulness look like for you this week?

And hey, if you need someone to walk with you, reach out. That’s why we’re here. You’re loved. You’re not alone. There’s a plan and purpose for your life.

Don’t give up.