Blessed be the LORD, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant ~ 1 Kings 8:56.
Introduction:
The Bible is replete with great and precious prophetic promises, which cover all aspects of the human life (2 Peter 1:3). These promises come in various formats. Some are spiritually coded and require spiritual eyes to decipher them, while some others are just plain and simple enough to personalize. Anyhow, there is always the need to allow divine revelation in order to enjoy the promises of God in full.
One of those coded promises can be found in the revealed name of God “Ebenezer”; being interpreted, the Lord Our Helper (1 Samuel 7:12). Those who come to the full assurance of the power of Jehovah Ebenezer always become tough-nuts for the devil to crack.
At one point in the history of God’s people, King Asa was overwhelmed by the enemy, but he was well equipped with the revelation of the helping Hands of God. He invoked this and immediately, the battle was taken to another frontier, from the “man-dimension” to “God-dimension” (2 Chronicles 14:11-14).
I am thoroughly convinced that God always wishes to help His people unto the utmost bounds. The apostle Paul declared, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). Once we are on the same page with this revelation, we won’t have to worry or fear what any man or even the storms of life can do to us.
Of a truth, storms are real, and they are part of life. When they come, they violently rock the boats of our marriages, health, finances, relationships, careers and so on, and attempt to derail our plans and cause pains and panic. Sometimes in their virulence, storms may even make our “boats” to appear like smashed packs of take-away plates.
In every practical sense, storms could be unpalatable for as long as they last. Yet, they are inevitable and none is exempted from them (Psalms 34:19).
Undoubtedly, these are very difficult times for the world at large. Insecurity, economic uncertainties, political upheavals, impunity, rule of might, tensions with all their gales on human lives and lifestyles are being felt globally. Fear runs rampant in the hearts of many people while others are at a high stress level, worried about what the future holds.
Unfortunately, many people do not know how to relate with these realities, or what next to do. Yet, fear looms increasingly larger and even the enemies appear stronger than ever. But, the good-news is that our fears lose their tyranny when we learn to stand firmly on the promises of God.
In Isaiah 54:15 we are assured: “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake”. Furthermore, in Isaiah 41:10, the Prophet said: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”.
Our God is the Promise-Keeper! There is nothing that we need that He has not provided for. Yet, in the entire Bible, there is no promise that God made to man that will not found fulfilment (Joshua 21:45). He promised that He will watch over His words to perform them (Jeremiah 1:12).
Joshua recounted to the Israelites how faithful God was to them, reminding them that not one thing failed of all the good things which the Lord God spoke concerning them (Joshua 23:14). Yes indeed, heaven and earth shall pass away but no Word from God will ever go unfulfilled (Luke 21:23).
Characteristics of Divine Promises
The promises of God could be depended upon at all times. Whatever He has promised He is able to bring to pass, and any promise from God is sure, no matter how unlikely it may seem to be.
God’s promises are infinite in value, yet they can never fail (2 Peter 1:4; 1 Kings 8:56). They are backed by divine power and are firmly founded in Christ Jesus (Romans 4:21; 2 Corinthians 1:20). God is eternally faithful to His promises (Deuteronomy 7:9).
God’s faithfulness is very lofty (Psalms 36:5). It is impossible for Him to lie; even if we don’t believe, he abides faithful. He cannot deny himself (Hebrews 6:18; 2 Timothy 2:13). Better still, once we believe, He cannot deny us the benefits of His faithfulness (Hebrews 10:23).
This faithful God is ever ready to fulfill His promises in our lives. However, no promise fulfills itself. Actualizing or validating prophetic promises is based on fulfilling the set conditions that regulate the promises: ‘if ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land…’ (Isaiah 1:19). Thus, the duty of validating the promises is incumbent on us as recipients of the promises (Job 36:11).
We must be ready to meet the conditions attached to the promises before we can expect to see their fulfilment in our lives. We must be willing to obey God in all things and readily follow the directions of His Voice (Exodus 19:5). Furthermore, we must be diligent in keeping His commandments, walking in His ways and keeping His statutes if we hope to vitally enjoy the provisions of God’s promises (Deuteronomy 28:1-14; I Kings 3:14).
Friend, certain glowing promises of God are exclusively preserved for His children (Mark 7:27). And, you must become a member of God’s family, saved by His grace, to enjoy them in full. But this you can easily do by repenting of your sins, believing the gospel and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.
No matter how many the promises of God are, in Him is the “yea”. In other words, God is eternally faithful to His Word (2 Corinthians 1:19-20). All the promises which He has made to mankind are true in themselves, and faithfully fulfilled to them who believe in Christ Jesus.
If you are ready to accept Jesus Christ today, please pray this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Today, I believe with all my heart and accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me!”Welcome then to the platform of grace, wisdom, victory and fulfillment paved by the promises of God, in Jesus Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
Rhema Christian Church,
Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
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