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By Rev Don Rivers
Last week I talked about living with integrity in all our ways, seen or unseen. We shouldn’t live our lives always looking over our shoulder wondering if anyone is watching. Todd Heft follows that up this week with a look at someone who has the ultimate integrity, God. It is a great blessing to me to be surrounded by Godly servants that step in and share. Thank you, Todd. God keeps His word; you can count on His promise. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Todd shares: have you ever had something promised to you and it never came to be? Maybe you’ve promised something to someone else and weren’t able to live up to your word. It’s pretty safe to say that we’ve been on either one or both ends of a failed promise. How do promises in the Bible compare to our lives now and what does it reflect on who God is?
Before we look at a promise from God’s perspective; what do our promises to others say about us? What happens to a race team when someone on the crew isn’t able to keep their commitment and doesn’t show up? Or remember when you were in line at the track concessions and promised to pay back your friend for the chicken fingers and fries? Some of our promises don’t have huge ramifications in our minds but they leave a lasting impression on others about who we are.
From the beginning God made a commitment to care for His creation. We can read about it in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve received the garden and everything they needed was there, but they wanted more. Through their disobedience sin entered the world. Although God expelled them from paradise He made a promise, not as a punishment, but as a plan to restore them, us, back into relationship with Him. Adam and Eve had messed up and God promised a savior.
God is compassionate and merciful. Even in their disobedience God provided. After the fall Adam and Eve realized their nakedness and God made them real clothes.
Genesis 3:21; NLT; “And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.”
What is our reaction when someone breaks a promise? Do we respond in love and compassion?
When we look at promises through our human perspective; we can see failure. Circumstances beyond our control may change the outcome of what we thought was a sure-fire, easy promise to keep. When we’re at the track, can a driver confidently promise his crew a victory? Well, they can but we all know the amount of chaos that can happen at a track. A $5.00 bolt can be the difference between victory lane and crashing into the fence.
Knowing the difference between our ability to fail and God’s inability to fail allows us to put our trust and hope in God’s unfailing promises. The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to Titus
Titus 1:2; NLT; “This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.”
God cannot lie. He cannot break a promise. That is one of the attributes of God, If he broke a promise, he wouldn’t be God. There would be no reason to worship him or follow him. We see that in the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. God followed through with the promise He made in Genesis of a way to restore our relationship with Him, a savior. Jesus is the fulfilment of that promise, the promise of a savior.
People had been following God for hundreds of years, eagerly anticipating the Messiah. Some had given up hope, but many had not. Ever have someone tell you the checks in the mail? How long do we wait before giving up hope? God’s timing is perfect and His promises never get broken. Paul writes about the confirmation of promises in 2 Corinthians:
2 Corinthians 1:19-20; NLT; “For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.”
As we study God’s word it reveals his character, we see the grace, compassion and mercy he has for his people. Look at the promises God has made in his Word. We should learn from that and seek to copy that in our own lives. We then need to act in such a way that reflects His character in our own lives. When we make a promise let our actions and motives reflect the love of God in our hearts.
How blessed are we that all that God promises come to fulfillment. That is different from the promises we make, no wondering if we’re getting paid back, no being left disappointed, hurt or abandoned. God has the power and authority to keep His promises.
This doesn’t mean life will be simple or easy. God doesn’t promise a trouble-free life. He promises that a life lived in obedience to him will bring us joy, peace, satisfaction and fulfilment. I have been on both sides; having lived life apart from God and lived life with God, I can personally say that facing trials with God by our side is a blessing and promise I wouldn’t want to live without. I encourage you to trust and rest in God’s promises and see how good he truly is.
Thank you, Todd, for sharing your heart with us this week. God makes a difference, His presence in our lives provides so much more than we can provide for ourselves. God made that commitment to us and He will follow through.
Deuteronomy 31:6; So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support and donations helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
