Promises Kept

If you were permanently moving to another country and could only take three things with you (besides things you would pack in your suitcase), what would you want to take? How hard would it be to leave items #4, #5 and so on, behind?

Do you think God makes promises and keeps them? Is it hard to remember that when you feel like you are losing things around you (health, job, prized possessions, relationships, hope)? What other words come to mind when you think of the word promise?
In the book of Isaiah, we read about our God who keeps His promises. Let’s look at a few in chapter 43.

In the very first verse, God makes it clear that He made us, redeemed us (forgives us), calls us by name and proclaims, “You are mine!” Can you also say of Him, “God, You are mine”? You can, because of what He has done for you through Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.
God doesn’t stop there. He continues with His promises saying He will be with us when we walk through the waters, and when we walk through the flame. Here, the water and flame represent life’s challenges, obstacles, threats, dangers, and even our own stubbornness to embrace what God has put before us. The Bible states it more beautifully in verses 2 and 3:

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.
I am the Lord, your Holy One,
the Creator of Israel, your King.

We face fears and challenges every day. How good it is to know and remember that God promises to be with us, alongside us, out in front of us guiding and protecting. We sometimes forget those promises and let fear paralyze or defeat us. God is right there reminding us that He has a future for us, even when we are discouraged. In our Isaiah passage He says, “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it (verse 19)?”

Prayer
Father in heaven, Your promises to us are great, and You never fail us. Why do we doubt? Empower us to abide in You, and embolden us to live as people of the Light so that others may know Your redeeming love, through Christ. Amen.

Note: Here is the link to a powerful song that affirms the power of God in our lives!