Promises!

1 Kings 8:56

“Not one word has failed of all the good promises He gave through His servant Moses”

What an amazing portion of scripture that reassures us in our moments of doubt and confusion, those difficult times when we don’t understand what is happening in our lives! Many people in the throes of disillusionment have exclaimed “Promises! Promises!” despairing that they might ever rely on anyone’s word again. Yet here it is – over generations of time, God’s reputation is secure, solid, unchanging!

What promise comes most often to your mind? There are so many that God has made, recorded for us in His Word. They cover every possible situation and circumstance. For example:

• He has promised to supply every need we have
• God promises His grace is sufficient
• He promises temptation will not overpower us
• God promises His children victory over death

However, we do need to start with the promise of primary importance. Which one is that? Perhaps it is one we are most familiar with “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him will not perish but have eternal life!” (John 3:16). Then there is another one reminding us “there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). However, as we journey through life we know that sin is continually knocking at the door, so we need to remember that “If we confess our sins He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

These promises pertain to our very life as believers. They establish the foundation upon which all other promises rest, since as God’s children we are privileged to come into His presence and to ask for anything we perceive as needs. Our perceptions are directed as we yield our wills to the power of the Holy Spirit, the person of the Godhead who dwells within. “Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you received from God” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

We can attest to the reality of our own experience with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit who prove God’s faithfulness to His promise: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified …. For the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6, repeated in Hebrews 13:5).

Reflection:

Consider why you favour some promises over others, which is certainly not wrong, and why.

How helpful is this for your responsibility to the Kingdom of God?

What do you hear from the heart of God in the promises you read in scripture?

by Marilyn Daniels (MarilynDaniels.net)