I’ve been convicted about God’s promises in the Bible. While there is no “official” count of the number of His promises to mankind, the most widely cited figure is 7,487. This comes from a meticulous study by a Canadian schoolteacher, Everett R. Storms. He spent one and a half years tallying them. This happened during his 27th reading of the Bible. Without a doubt, that’s a lot of promises.
Unkept Promises
I have personally reneged on far more promises than I want to admit. Especially before I became a Jesus-follower. It was easy for me to come up with valid reasons for breaking the promise. Or so it would seem that way to me. It was with the skill of a lawyer (or perhaps more like a swindler) trying to protect my reputation. Bottom line? Prideful attempts to cover myself.
I’ve learned through God’s Word just how important it is to be a man of my word. Broken promises are basically lies. Of course, every once in a while, a valid, “out-of-our-control” circumstance may come along where that happens. But let’s be honest, that needs to be very rare indeed.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.” — Proverbs 12:22
Following Through
Early on in my walk of faith, I was convicted of the stumbling block that happened when I did not follow through. I realized how detrimental it was in my marriage, my parenting, and in my everyday interactions with people.
First, with my wife, I realized how hurtful it was whenever I didn’t do what I said I would. Trust was breached, and it was hard to shore back up. Like building sand castles too close to ocean waves.
Secondly, my parenting was also affected because my threat of discipline was confusing and seemed to come off as a challenge to my children. They tried to see how far they could push the limit before I blew my top. Of course, I eventually began throwing down Rambo-like anger, which was sinful, ugly, and harmful. I should have had the loving discipline of follow-through, so no one had to guess my intentions. Eventually, I became a man of my word, and the yelling stopped because my kids knew I was going to do what I said I was going to do. No more, “if you do that one more time for the fifth time, by golly, I’m gonna …”
Every Promise Forever
What makes God’s promises so extraordinary? It’s because every single one of them will always come true. Past, present, and future. We can always hold fast and trust them in the highest of highs and in the lowest of lows. God does not lie.
“So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two interchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” — Hebrews 6:17-18
Frank Apisa, a dear friend of mine, pastors in Milan, Italy. He often encourages the short-term missions teams (visiting his church) to claim a promise verse for their trip. I was personally challenged by this years ago when I led a trip to Italy. I searched for and claimed a particular verse. The trip was then even more impactful for me as I witnessed God come through.
I’m claiming this one for all of us today because forever is well, um, forever!
“He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.” — Psalm 146:6
Holding fast to God’s promises with you!
Posted in A Word from the Pastor