I’ve been thinking today about the power of God’s promises and what that word means to us. A statement of intent, even of passionate commitment? Something that fills us with joy and certainty? Or does it awaken the voice of cynicism and disappointment in our hearts? We’ve all had promises made to us and some are wonderfully fulfilled, but others fall to the ground leaving us hurt and full of mistrust. Sometimes we make promises on the spur of the moment and then find it easy to forget them. I’ve promised God my all, then held back. I’ve promised things to friends and family but not fulfilled my word. Can we be truly secure in any promise, even our own?
But God’s promises are different.They are never just a token word spoken in the heat of the moment. Rather, his every word is true and life giving, dynamic in its power. Numbers 23:19 says: God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfil?
God will always act and bring his word to pass. for all His promises have been fulfilled in Jesus. When God says he will totally forgive us, that is fulfilled through Jesus’ death. When he says he will strengthen and guide us, Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit enables us to hear God’s voice and be wise in our decision making. Marilyn and I were recently looking into a house move but God clearly showed us it wasn’t right even though we thought it was certain. We can all rest in him to direct us on the right path. Isaiah 42:6 promises: I will lead the blind by ways they have not known. Along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. I will not forsake them.
What do we do with God’s promises? It’s vital we take hold of them, make choices to live in their truth, treasure them and ask for his help to make them real in our lives.
His words are true and life giving. Be encouraged and be filled with new hope in him and you will see his promises unfolding in your life and in your loved ones.
