“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” -Isaiah 43:2-3
How many times do you make a promise and really keep it? Every day, my 7-year-old comes to me with my baseball glove and asks me to play catch. I sometimes catch myself saying, “I promise, in a few minutes.” Then he walks away, and time goes by without me keeping my word. He gets disappointed, and I feel bad for forgetting. I never intend to go back on my word, but it does happen from time to time.
One thing we know from God and His Word is that when He makes a promise, He always follows through. Here is a great definition of a promise: an assurance that God gives His people so that they can walk by faith while they wait for Him to work. Here are four promises that God has given us:
- God is always with us. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
- God is always in control. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- God is always good. (Romans 8:28)
- God is always watching. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
When God makes us a promise, He always keeps it. We can always depend on Him.
Are you a promise-maker or promise-keeper? God is both. He makes and keeps His promises. We can stand on that guarantee even through tough times. He is with us, in control, always good and always watching over us. That should give us all comfort today. Even though we fail on our promises from time to time, God never will. That is a promise.
1. How has God shown you that He follows through on His promises?
2. Which of the four promises listed means the most to you and why?
3. How can you realize that God’s promises are for you, even amidst injury or loss?
