God's Promises - Part Two

 

Continuing the discussion of God’s promises from last week…..

 

We all know people that we trust absolutely. We can be sure they will do whatever they promise. How do we know? They have shown us by their past actions that they are as good as their word.

 

Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God” (2 Corinthians 1:20).  God showed His faithfulness by fulfilling the promises of the Old Testament through Jesus.  We are witnesses to His faithfulness to us every day. When we know beyond a doubt that God has fulfilled so many of His promises, it gives us confidence that He will be faithful in those promises which have yet to be fulfilled.

 

Last week we touched on some of God’s promises in the Old Testament. There are many promises in the New Testament, some of which we have already experienced in our lives and some which we have hope for in the future.

 

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ …… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31, 33).  God provides for our needs. We may not get all that we want, but we will get what we need.

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). It’s easy to become soul-weary in these difficult times. Jesus promises to lighten our burden and help us to carry on.

 

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life; and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27-28). We are safe. We may face attacks from many sides and things may look bleak from a worldly view, but nothing can change the fact that we belong to God. He will uphold us and see us through.

 

“I have come that they may have life, and have it in abundance” (John 10:10). Jesus came to give us abundant life, not just once we get to heaven but while we still live here on earth. No matter what our circumstances may be, we can live our fullest and best life when we are living under the Lordship of Jesus and by the Spirit He sent to dwell within us.

 

“Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).  This is perhaps God’s greatest promise to us. No matter what difficulties we may have in this life, we are destined to live gloriously in the presence of God for eternity.  Jesus personally promises us, “In my Father’s house are many rooms….I am going there to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2).

 

Take time today to reflect on the goodness of God and the ways He has blessed you so far. Look forward in hope to whatever He has in store for you.