In 2023, Sears, the retail giant of days gone by, closed its last brick and mortar store in North Carolina. Wikipedia reports: “As of December 2024, there were eight Sears stores remaining, with seven in the mainland U.S. and one location in the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico. The company’s U.S. website, Sears.com, remains active for online purchases.” Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears accessed 1/6/2025

Who would have thought an entity as large as Sears could collapse so completely? I have a collection of Craftsman tools, all covered by a lifetime warranty. They were purchased shortly after Shawn and I married in 1981 so that we might do some DIY jobs and save money. Over years of use I’ve had only one tool from that set fail, a ratchet, and Sears replaced it with no fuss.

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With Sears disappearing I wondered if that Craftsman warranty would still be honored. Today Lowes and other entities market the Craftsman tool line, which was purchased from Sears by Black & Decker. The worm screw from Dad’s ancient Craftsman adjustable wrench fell out one day. I tossed the handle into the scrap metal heap before I remembered the Craftsman warranty and that I had seen Craftsman tools for sale at Lowes. Would Lowes honor Craftsman’s timeless guarantee? I took the wrench to the store and spoke to the manager in the tool department. He matched the size with a brand new wrench still in the bubble casing and walked me to the service desk where he informed the cashier there would be no charge for the new wrench as a warranty replacement. I was a happy customer.

Unfortunately warranties and guarantees are often dishonored with no sense of shame on the guarantor’s part. “It’s business,” they say. Is it any wonder that cynicism runs rampant in our world? Perhaps you’ve been a victim of one who failed to keep his word, and you are wondering if anyone honors their promises these days. Please, keep reading, and consider carefully the words in capital letters here:

…for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,” so that we confidently say, “THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID. WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?”

Hebrews 13:5-6 NASB Selected

The “He Himself” refers to God, and He keeps His promises. His guarantee is backed by His own sterling character, His faithfulness.

  • When crisis pulls into your driveway with its U-Haul packed with troubles, God is right there with you.
  • When friends and family forsake you, God will not.
  • God sticks around.
  • God has the plan and the resources to pull it off.

I will confess that sometimes I shake my head in bewilderment at His chosen methods, but looking back over nearly 60 years of walking with Him I can testify that He gets the job done. He’s faithful for sure and certain.

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The writer of Hebrews quoted above borrowed from a couple of Old Testament passages. The first records the words of Moses as his time leading the nation of Israel drew to a close. Moses knew that Joshua would lead Israel into the Promised Land, and before the older statesman surrendered the helm he shared truths cemented into his heart after 40 years of wilderness excursions with God.

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB

The second passage was addressed directly to Joshua as he surveyed the task ahead and prepared to take his first steps as the new leader. Moses had big sandals, really big ones. Perhaps Joshua entertained thoughts of being inadequate for the job. The Lord stopped by for a pep talk and spoke directly to Joshua.

“No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

Joshua 1:5 NASB

God does not change. He’s the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. We can count on Him even when He surprises us with His solution to our struggle. He’s mysterious that way. Let me share some encouraging verses that speak to God’s faithfulness.

Craftsman Adjustable Wrench

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?

Numbers 23:19 NASB

“Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments;

Deuteronomy 7:9 NASB

“The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Deuteronomy 32:4 NASB

For the word of the LORD is upright, And all His work is done in faithfulness.

Psalms 33:4 NASB

For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 100:5 NASB

O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.

Isaiah 25:1 NASB

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3 NASB

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