We live in a world constantly in motion. Even our hearts can surprise us — the things that once brought us joy might now feel like a burden, and what we thought we could handle may suddenly overwhelm us. 

In the face of uncertainties, Malachi 3:6 offers a faithful assurance that He the Lord does not change, so we the descendants of Jacob are not destroyed. This statement is both a promise and a warning. It comforts us that God’s character, love, and promises remain constant (Rom 8:38-39; Ps 136:1). His mercy continues despite our failings. And so He is our only anchor in this constantly changing world. We have to build on His stability and choose Him to be our rock and our fortress; trust Him to be our shield and stronghold (Psalm 18:2). 

    Even more striking is the mercy woven into this verse. “So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” Israel had broken covenant after covenant. They had strayed, doubted, and dishonoured God. (Mal 1:6-8) But God remains faithful to His word, even when His people are not. His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still stands — why? Because He is unchanging in His mercy (Lam 3:22). This is a profound comfort to us today. If God were like us — impatient and quick to anger— we would be destroyed the moment we slipped. But instead, He stays steady, extending grace even in our rebellion.

    And what does God ask in return? A willing heart to come home to Him. 

"Return to Me, and I will return to you," (Mal 3:7).

    Like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, God faithfully watches and waits. No matter how far we have wandered or how long we have been away, He still gently calls us home to Him. So answer His call and come home. 

     Our return does not guarantee a life free of difficulties. However, this is not a cause for concern because God often works most deeply in our seasons of trial. Malachi paints an image of God as a refiner, seated carefully by the fire (Mal 3:3). God uses trials to purify our hearts, personally tending and shaping us with purpose. If we yield to Him in the fire, we will emerge stronger, holier, and more ready to reflect His glory (1 Peter 1:6-7). That said, we ought to be wary of letting disgruntlement fill the corners of our hearts. Keep close to our hearts the reminder that the book of Malachi gave, that God is never far during the heat.  

      Even in these refining moments, God invites us to test His goodness. In verses 10 to 12, He extends a bold invitation “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse... Test me in this,” says the Lord, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” When we bring our full tithe, whole heart, and complete trust, God promises provision beyond what we can contain. He is asking us to give so He can bless more abundantly.

    And for those of us wondering if our quiet faithfulness matters, Malachi offers one more tender promise. Perhaps there are times when we have been praying privately, giving or serving quietly, wondering if our small acts of faith matter. It does because God sees every humble act. He listens to every whispered prayer and remembers every faithful thought (Mal 3:16). As it was in the time of Malachi, while many grew cynical, there were faithful remnants who feared the Lord, who spoke of Him often and honoured His name (Mal 3:16). God listened and heard (Mal 3:16). He keeps a scroll of remembrance and calls them His treasured possession (Mal 3:17). Our conversations about Him matter. Nothing we do for God is wasted or forgotten. Even unseen obedience is written.

      So do not lose heart. We are not forgotten in the fire. He does not turn us away when we choose to return, and we are certainly not overlooked when we live faithfully. May we remain faithful, even in hidden places—knowing He sees, remembers, and treasures those who honour Him.