Thursday, February 28, 2008

God's Promises: What I'm Learning

I have been reminded of a few things about God's promises since my previous post. What about those times when it doesn't seem like God is being faithful to do what He said he would? Well, I've learned that:

1) God always keeps His promises, but He keeps them in His timing, not mine.

Meaning...I might have to wait!

Scriptural Example: Psalm 69:13: "But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness."

2) God always keeps His promises, but He keeps them in the way He sees fit (that is, the way that best suits His glory and my good).

Meaning...He might answer in a way that is contrary to my immediate desires!

Example: God promises grace. If I ask God for grace to teach me patience, He won't always teach me in the way I desire (the easy way!). My path to patience will likely be uncomfortable, hard work, like most sanctification.

3) God always keeps His promises, but His promises are often conditional.

Meaning...His blessings often require my obedience first!

Scriptural Examples: Philippians 4: 6,7: "[condition] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [promise] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I Peter 5:6: "[condition] Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, [promise] so that at the proper time he may exalt you."

Though my experience may seem to "argue" or disagree with Scripture when I can't see God's provision, the truth is that God always keeps His promises. He might not do it when or how I think best, but He, whose thoughts are higher than my thoughts, will be faithful to his Word in His own time and in His own way.

-Amber-

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Some really good truth here about God's promises. We can hinder ourselves so much when it comes to God's Promises but thankfully He faithful and the Promises of God stand true forever.

(about #2) When God promised to send a Messiah to redeem His People, they were expecting a Victorious King not and Suffering Servant and so the despised the Son of God and did not realize that He was the answer to all their prayers.

Lana said...

Amber, this post was so encouraging and specific and I know it glorified the Lord by promoting His faithfulness. All your points were very true and they are things I have to remind myself sometimes. Thanks for sharing this! =)

Anonymous said...

These are great lessons to learn Amber. I am so excited about the work that God is slowly but surely doing in your life, and that I know he will continue to do. His grace has been so evident in your walk, and your faithfulness to submit is an example for me to follow

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