Have you ever promised?
I think we bandy the word ‘promise’ aroubd quite all lot. But how often do we really mean it? And how often does anyone actually stick to it?
God promises us many things. And He delivers. Or he will. God promises us strength, courage, the answers to our prayers. Then there’s Salvation, forgiveness and eternal life. If we have faith, and believe, then we shall receive.
But what about us? We use the word ‘promise’ like it doesn’t mean anything. ‘Yes I promise this, I promise that, of course’. But I suspect many of us don’t follow through.
I had a bad week this week. I asked God for a lot. Strength, courage, help for me and my loved ones. I always tend to say that I will try my best to do the things I should. Or I say ‘with Your help I know I can do it/get through’.
But this once, I used the word ‘promise’. I won’t go in to too much detail, but a family member was (still is, really) in a bad way. I haven’t seen them for quite some time. They know I am here if they need me, but we have been distant.
I desperately prayed to God for help for them. To let them make it. I felt like I had abandoned them. I know that’s not true. Between a lot of us, over the years, have done an awful lot for them. But that is here nor there. Right now, they need help.
So I prayed. And I asked that if God could see them through, I promised never to abandon them again.
Trouble is, I’m not exactly in the position to help in a physical way. I live far away, and honestly, at this moment, there’s nothing I can actually do anyway. But I can pray. And I can be there. Not just for them, but those who are near, and can be.
Now I pray to God to help me keep this promise. I know not how, but I intend to try.
Words for today.
‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ Joshua 1:9
‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the LORD.’ Jeremiah 29:11
‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ John 8:12
Dear Lord, it’s Me again 