Belief in God's promises
Day 31
by Gini Crawford, MSW
God is faithful so He keeps His promises
God is faithful so what He says, He does (Psalm 33:4). He keeps His promises that He gives us in His Word. I know I don't always keep my promises even though I try hard to, but when God makes a promise it will most definitely be kept because He is faithful. We can trust God's promises because of His love and faithfulness (Psalm 91:4; Lamentations 3:21-24).
God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? / For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. / Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead ... if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself. Numbers 23:19b; Psalm 33:4; 2 Timothy 2:8,13 ESV®
There are many promises in the Bible and some are what we would call a prophecy. A prophecy is a promise-message from God that will be fulfilled in the future from when it was foretold. Numerous prophecies have already been fulfilled from the Bible, especially those of Jesus' first coming. Jesus fulfilled around three hundred Old Testament promises.
If you know God's promises then you can see His promises being worked out in your life and the lives of others. Makes sense doesn't it? Do you know God's promises?
Placing your faith in Jesus or in the world
Everyone puts their faith or belief in something or someone. There are those who believe in Jesus Christ and His resurrection. There are those who wouldn't dare believe in Jesus and His resurrection but easily put their faith in their education, a job, maybe the stock market, science, a parent, spouse, friend, teacher or in their self. I think you all would agree with me, a decent education and a job are a blessing. To have a parent, spouse or friend you can trust is golden too.
Yet, if you want to be saved from the consequences of sin as well as gain Jesus' righteousness, it is by faith as Romans 10:6a, 8-9 states, and not our works as you know. "But the righteousness based on faith says, ... 'The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'" What this passage is saying, you need to acknowledge that Jesus is God (Romans 9:5) and to believe in your heart (mind) that He rose from the dead, verifying His claim to be God, consequently saving you. Romans 10:10 gives us the natural order of salvation: "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
The question is not, "Do you have faith?" The question is, "Where have you placed your faith, in the world and its promises or in Jesus and His assured promises?"
Life Application
Jesus guarantees God's promises to us
In 2 Peter 1:1-4, Christians are challenged to take the full advantage of God's promises that are guaranteed in Jesus Christ - their God and Savior. These promises are ours through faith in Jesus. His promises allow us be partakers of the divine nature and escape corruption in the world if we live by them. Read 2 Peter 1:1-4.
A girl in Uganda was fleeing a group of men with guns and machetes. It had gotten to be a common occurrence where she lived to experience the horrors of murder and human trafficking. As she was hiding from these men in the darkness, she could hear the frightened screams of her friends echoing through the forest. As she was shaking with fear ready to scream herself, she called to Jesus - Who whispered in her mind the psalms her grandfather taught her. Her fear seemed to fade into the darkness as God's promises gave her strength. A sense of calm washed over her. At daybreak she saw she was safe when many had been killed or taken. Do you know God's Word enough so He can whisper His precious promises to you?
Out of my distress I called on the LORD; the LORD answered me and set me free. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The LORD is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. Psalm 118:5-9 ESV®
Here are some promises from God. Read the passages to each promise and share some insights:
Does death scare you because you feel it's the end of everything. Take heart because Jesus gives you the promise of eternal life. Read 3:16-18, 11:25-26, 14:1-6.
As a Christian do you struggle with sinful desires. Be encouraged because you have the promise of the Holy Spirit within. He will empower you to overcome any sin in your life and to live righteously. Read Acts 1:8; Romans 8:3-4; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2 Peter 1:3.
People say to pray to God and He will answer you. Does God really hear all prayers. Yes, there are many promises concerning prayer. Read Psalm 91:15; Jeremiah 33:2; Luke 11:9-12; Philippians 4:6-7.
Every time your life seems hopeless or out of control, acknowledge God and trust in Him and He promises to direct your paths. Read Proverbs 3:5-6.
Do you feel your life is anything but good, that no one loves you, that everything you do ends up a mess, or maybe you just feel inconsequential. I can certainly have those feelings but those feelings are really not reality looking at God's promises. Read Jeremiah 29:11; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 8:28-39; 1 John 4:10.
Ponder this: As you awaken each morning, embrace God’s promises with a sense of hopeful anticipation, for they are not mere words, but firm promises that are guaranteed so will come about. His promises are life-altering if believed, and have the potential to guide and bless your life if followed.
Reflect on 2 Peter 1:1-4.