The Promises of God
The future is as bright as the promises of God. –Adoniram Judson
A promise is only as good as the faithful character of the one who made it.
How often has a promise been broken by a relative, neighbor, acquaintance, or even a trusted friend? When something you were counting on doesn’t happen, or the fulfillment never comes, it’s painful. But should we be surprised when man lets us down? Should we be bitter and non-trusting? No, because Jesus is a friend who sticks closer than a brother! Jesus will never leave us, fail us, or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Jesus will never go back on His word! Is this not a cause for great trusting, resting, and rejoicing? Even when we are unfaithful, He remains faithful! Look back on the scene in the garden of Gethsemane, where we see Jesus pleading to the Father to remove the bitter cup from Him. Then we hear those beautiful words, “Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Jesus faithfully went to the cross, bled, and died for us. Even though we could not watch with Him for one hour, He remained faithful. Even when Peter – the devoted disciple – denied his Lord, Jesus remained faithful.
Robert Murray M’Cheyne said, “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me.”
In John Bunyan’s classic book, The Pilgrim's Progress, Christian and Hopeful walked wearily along a rocky path when suddenly they spotted another path, going in the same direction, which looked smoother and easier. They quickly hopped over the fence only to find themselves down the road, locked in Doubting Castle, and thrown into a dungeon by a cruel giant named Giant Despair. Day after day, he tortured them with beatings and spoke of those who entered but never came out alive. The two pilgrims wondered how much more they could take when Hopeful suddenly realized: “I was given the key of promise! Quick, let's see if the key will get us out of here!” Sure enough, the key fit, and they were on their way to freedom.
How many times do we sit in the “dungeon of despair” because we are not using the “key of promise”?
The “I will” statements in the Bible are powerful declarations. Made by God Himself, they are promises of His faithfulness, provision, protection, and blessing. They reveal God's character and His unwavering commitment to those who follow Him.
For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him amen, to the glory of God through us. -2 Corinthians 1:20
1. I WILL be with you: The Promise of God’s Presence
I WILL be with you and will bless you… (Genesis 26:3)~This assurance of His presence is a recurring theme in the Bible and reminds us we’re never alone.~
2. I WILL strengthen you: The Promise of God’s Strength
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I WILL strengthen you and help you; I WILL uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)~The promise of His strength comforts us when we’re weak.~
3. I WILL forgive you: The Promise of God’s Forgiveness
If we confess our sins, He IS faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)~God shows such mercy to His repentant children!~
4. I WILL provide for you: The Promise of God’s Provision
And my GOD WILL supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)~No need we have is greater than His power to provide!~
5. I WILL give you rest: The Promise of God’s Refreshment
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I WILL give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)~The rest we need is found in Christ alone.~
6. I WILL never leave you nor forsake you: The Promise of God’s Constancy
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I WILL never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)~Our certainty is rooted in God’s constancy.~
7. I WILL guide you: The Promise of God’s Guidance and Leading
I WILL instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I WILL guide you with My eye. (Psalm 32:8)~What is unknown to us is known to Him. We can trust Him!~
8. I WILL make all things new: The Promise of the Glorious Future
He who was seated on the throne said, “I AM making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true. (Revelation 21:5)~When present difficulties overwhelm us, we can remember the glorious future that awaits us!~
These are just a few of the incredible “I WILL” promises of God! They remind us of His faithfulness, love, and provision. They inspire us to trust and place our confidence in Him. They encourage us to rely on His unfailing character–regardless of what we face!
Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. -2 Peter 1:4
To view the accompanying reflection questions on the Promises of God, written for the East Coast Pastors’ Wives booklet, please click here.
We Would See Jesus,
Karen Pulley
We wish to see Jesus –John 12:21