PROMISES, PROMISES

The Lord is not slack concerning

His promise, as some count

slackness, but is long-suffering

toward us, not willing that any

should perish but that all should

to repentance.

II Peter 3:9

In days of childhood, we were quick to make promises. They didn't amount to much looking back but we were pretty serious about them at the time. If we made a promise we often sealed it by saying: “Cross my heart and hope to die...I'll stick a needle in my eye.” If we sealed our promise with that vow, probably most of us would have been blind by supper time.

So what is a promise? It is simply assuring firmly with an honest spirit that we will do exactly what we have told someone we will do. Of course, truth has a lot to do with promises. How often have we been lied to by someone who held a straight face stating they would come through for something on our behalf and probably had no intention of seeing that promise through.

We have learned through the years that our Bibles are full of the wonderful promises of God. Many in our lives have broken promises they have made to us. Such promises might have come from family or friends. However, even today, the media provides us with lots of promises through advertisements, news broadcasts or political events. It would seem in many areas that promises don't mean much anymore.

Aren't we thankful we have a Heavenly Father who ALWAYS keeps His Word. Scripture is full of His promises. It began in Genesis after the first sin, promising His plan for taking care of the sin problem. Noah after the flood was promised by God that there would never be again a flood that would be all encompassing like the one he had lived through. There are many promises regarding the coming of the Messiah. Along with this were prophecies of His sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

In the book of Hebrews, especially in chapter eleven we see mentioned many fulfilled promises by God on the part of Old Testament saints. It's an encouraging read. Unfortunately, we are often the recipients of unfulfilled promises so we tend to be a little hesitant in our believing in promises given to us at anytime.

Because God is faithful, keeps His Word and we have been on the negative end of broken promises, our faith is so necessary and grows as our relationship with Him grows. God never has and never will break a single promise He has declared on your and my behalf.  

I'm so grateful Father that You can be completely trusted concerning every single promise we see in Your Word. You have more than earned our trust. We love You and are so grateful for Your loving us, encouraging us in our relationship with You. In Jesus precious name...Amen