Yahweh, Our Promise Keeper.
Updated: Nov 24, 2021
Jesus is a promise keeper.
We know this, but do we believe it?
Abraham and Sarah were promised descendants that would outnumber the stars. Yet in Genesis 18, Sarah laughed in the presence of God as He reminded Abraham of this promise. She told herself she couldn't have kids and laughed as God told her husband that they would in fact have a son.
We read of Moses and find ourselves frustrated with the lack of faith he displayed when God was the very one calling him. Moses believed a stutter could keep God from using him... seriously?
We read through the stories of the Israelites and chuckle at their impatience and inability to trust God. I mean, they chose to worship a golden calf rather than the King of Kings because they were tired of waiting. It took 40 days for them to turn from the God who had split the sea and delivered them from Egypt.
We know the end of each of these stories.
The Israelites were delivered to the promised land. No river, army, or season of waiting could prevent this. Moses, the one with a stutter, led God's people into the promised land. Abraham would become the ancestor of the Israelites. I mean, Jesus, our SAVIOR would come from Abraham's lineage!
Our God has proven Himself time and time again to be a promise keeper, yet we see so many stories of people through the bible questioning God's faithfulness.
We are no different.
I don't know about you, but my life has been marked by seasons of fear, frustration, anxiety... the list goes on. Yet, when I take a step back and reflect on those seasons, it comes down to one thing.
I didn't trust God.
I hate to admit this, but I am just like Sarah. I refuse to simply fix my eyes on Jesus and allow Him to lead me. Even when things make no sense to me, I grasp for control and take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God.
My God is faithful. I see it all through the bible, and when I think through my own life I see countless examples of His kindness.
He keeps His promises. His path just might look different than what we expected.
Just like the Israelites, we grow impatient. We get frustrated when things don't play out how we hope. Hear me clearly when I say that God can handle your questions and frustration. You have permission to be confused or frustrated, we just can't stay there.
We have a firm foundation, so through the storms, we get to trust that our Savior will deliver us. Isaiah 43:2 reads, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
We get to rest in the fact that our God does not let His people down. His plan may look drastically different than our own plans, but He has made it abundantly clear that His way is so much sweeter. God doesn't typically take us the easy route, He leads us to dependence.
I have spent the past 8 months learning to trust God's timing. I've felt purposeless, unqualified, and restless waiting for Him to move. Yes, it has been a difficult season, but it has proven so rewarding.
I've drawn near to the Father, learned about His character in new ways, and grown in my relationship with Him. However, I have to renew my mind DAILY friends. It takes effort to stay at peace.
Whatever life is throwing at you in this season, you can rest in the truth that no flood or fire can alter the plans our God has for your life. Rather than living in fear, trust and stand firm on the solid foundation that is our Savior.
We need to lay our fears at the feet of Jesus.
Renew your minds on His promises today.
Trust Him, because He is a promise keeper.
Loosen your grip, and let God move.
Scripture to rest in:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
"If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved." Romans 10:9-10