12/8/2005
Encouragement for Today
“A Promise Kept”
Glynnis Whitwer, Senior Editor of “P31 Woman Magazine,” Proverbs 31 Speaker Team Member
Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 1:20, “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.” (NIV)
Devotion:
A broken promise can be devastating. Someone promised to be faithful to you – but they aren’t. Someone promises to pay you back – but they don’t. Someone promised to stop a sinful habit – but it continues.
Unfortunately instead of being an unbreakable covenant from one person to another, a promise is more like a temporary commitment, until something easier or more attractive comes along – or until our willpower eases and selfish desires assume control.
It would be easy, and somewhat satisfying, to list everyone who has broken a promise to me. But to be honest, I’ve broken my share too. There’s only One whose word is faultless, whose character is faithful and who keeps every promise, and that’s God.
At Christmas, we celebrate the wonderful fulfillment of God’s promise to His beloved people: the birth of Jesus. We know that the Israelites had been waiting many years for a Messiah. Although it wasn’t in the Israelite’s timing, God faithfully kept His promise.
Today God still keeps His promises to us. While those around us may disappoint, God never does. This is the definition of faith: choosing to believe what God says is true, and that He’ll do, what He says He’ll do.
Here are a few promises we can believe in today:
- We are not alone. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit who will be our comforter and teach us truth. (John 14:15-17)
- Jesus loves us and comes to live in us. (John 14:18-21)
- Jesus is preparing a place for us to live with Him forever. (John 14:1-4)
- God will never change. (Malachi 3:6)
- We are safe in the care of Jesus. (John 10:27-29)
- God will provide financial blessings when we tithe. (Malachi 3:10)
- Nothing can stop Jesus from loving us. (Romans 8:38-39)
In difficult times, it’s easy to doubt that God’s promises are true. We may think God has forgotten about us or that His promises apply only to “good” Christians. But the truth about God is that His promises stand firm for those who love Him. God’s promises aren’t based on our emotional status at any given moment.
Second Corinthians 1:20 reminds us that God loves to keep His promises and has given us Jesus as proof. That Scripture says, “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.”
This Christmas, let’s remember the promises of God and His unchanging character as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Let a resounding “Amen” sound across the land as we bring glory to God through our lives and faith.
My Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your unchanging nature. I praise You for Your faithfulness in keeping Your promises throughout the generations. Please forgive me for the times that I doubt You, and give up waiting for You to keep Your promise. Thank you for keeping Your promises in spite of my unfaithfulness at times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Application Steps:
Think through some of the promises of God that you know. Identify those you have doubted in the past, or doubt today. Choose to believe God’s promises.
Reflection Points:
What are common promises people don’t keep?
What does it tell you about a person’s character when they habitually break promises?
When someone keeps a promise they have made to you, how does it make you feel about yourself?
What are some areas in your life where you have trouble keeping promises?
What can you do to become a person who keeps promises?
Power Verses:
Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we possess, for he who promised is faithful.” (NIV)
Acts 13: 32-33, “We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” (NIV)
Acts 2:38-39, “Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (NIV)
2 Peter 3: 8-9, “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (NIV)
Additional Resources:
What Happens When Women Walk In Faith, by Lysa TerKeurst
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_whatHappens.htm
P31 Woman Magazine, by Proverbs 31 Ministries
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/woman.htm
Becoming a Woman Who Listens to God, by Sharon Jaynes
http://proverbs31.gospelcom.net/newresources_becomingAWoman.htm