Standing On The Promises

“And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” ― 2 Peter 1:4.

There are days where I feel like I am in the front lines of a battle where I am outnumbered and outgunned. Then there are days where I am in a boat that is not made to handle the gale-force leading winds of an approaching storm, only to watch it inch toward and then slam into the ship. When we are faced with challenging circumstances, what should we do? We can either grumble, get angry, and stomp our feet defiantly at the circumstances that seem too much to bear or we can trust God as Joshua repeatedly did, or as Paul did when he was shipwrecked in Malta. 

Despite how helpless we may feel in these moments, we are never truly helpless when we remember who God is and the promises He gave those who believe in Him. Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” 1 Kings 8:56 says, “Praise the Lord who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.” You can place your trust in God and believe He’ll follow through on His promises.

God loves us. This is a foundational promise that the enemy does not want us to believe or receive because if we do we could fully receive all of God’s promises.  Romans 8:38-39 says, “ And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Search out the promises of God. His promises are sure. He is your rock and your refuge. Place your trust in his promises as often as it takes until they produce peace in your life. Choose continually to place your hope in God and live a life of faith regardless of your circumstances. 

So when you begin to hear the distant thunder and see the lightening on the horizon, do not be afraid. Hold fast to God, dig in deeper in prayer, study His word and trust in His promises. Hold His hand through the storm, staying focused not on the lightening, but on His ability to lead you through.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are you trusting God with today? Are you anxiously or patiently waiting for God to fulfill His promises?
2. We can trust God, no matter how impossible the circumstances, because God always keeps His promises. Agree or disagree and why? 
3. Is there one area that has been a hindrance to your living by faith in God’s promises? What can you do this week to remove the hindrance(s)?