"Standing on a Promise" (Part 2)

Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering. Sometimes you were exposed to public ridicule and were beaten, and sometimes you helped others who were suffering the same things. You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever. So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (Hebrews 10:32-36 NLT).

It occurred to me that you may be wondering why God makes promises? It is a very valid question. He certainly was not forced to do so. It is only by his grace that we have any hope at all. However, not only do we have hope, we have a hope that will never disappoint us. All of this is rooted in four specific truths about God:

1. First, God loves us and wants the best for us. The whole premise of the book of Hebrews is how much God loves us. He loves us enough to send only the preeminent Son! And, if we needed further proof, Jesus gives that to us as well. Everything he did in his earthly ministry points to the deep and profound love God has for us.

2. Second, God has assumed full responsibility for our needs. Paul’s wrote, “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). It is not as if God has abandoned us to our own devices in this world. He has taken responsibility for us like the perfect Father that he is!

3. Third, God demonstrates his character through the offering and granting of promises. It’s one thing to hear it from the prophets and people of faith who have gone before us; it is quite another thing to see and experience it for ourselves on a personal level. I’m always a little amazed when I wake to another day. Don’t misunderstand. I am not being morbid or discouraged at the prospect of life at all. I do my best to insure that I get another day! However, knowing that death has gripped this world, I am convinced that it is only through the grace of God that I get another day! And every one of those days are filled with his promises.

4. Fourth, God is glorified through his promises. When Israel was in bondage to Egypt, he had long before promised to deliver them. And, when the time was just right, he delivered them in a spectacular way!

Tomorrow we’ll look at the steps in claiming the promises. Today, stand on them. Find the one you need today and stand!