Promises.
According to the dictionary, the word promise means “a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen.”
Just the other day one of my students came crying to me first thing in the morning. Her estranged mother had promised that she would come see and stay with her the night before. This precious girl’s mother didn’t show up. The mother broke her promise. My daughter-for-a -year (student) was devastated. As she buried her face into me, we wrapped our arms around each other. I held her and we chatted. Even though I couldn’t bring her mother back to her, I wanted her to feel comforted while in my presence.
When one makes a promise you are guaranteeing that you’ll do what you’ve said you’ll do. As much as we all would like to trust someone that they will keep their word, unfortunately we’ve become numb to the fact that promises can and will be broken.
This saddens me. Our society has become so cynical of just about everything.
Well, my friend, let me assure you (yes, promise you) that there is One who will NEVER break a promise.
“God is not a man; He will not lie. God is not a human being; His decisions will not change. If He says He will do something, then He will do it. If he makes a promise, then He will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19
Did you see that? God will not lie nor change. God will do what He says He will do, and keep His promise.
We read throughout the entire bible the many promises that God made. We also read that He kept all His promises. Even when there have been doubters, scientist have discovered evidence that supports God’s truth.
In 2 Peter 3 we read about how “The Day of the Lord is Coming”. That is a promise!
There have been, are, and will be those who laugh and say “Really? We’ve been hearing this FOREVER! Is your Jesus really coming back? What is He waiting on? I’ll believe it when I see it?…”
In verse three Peter writes, “I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires.” Yep. They are here. I hear and see evidence of this all the time.
In verse four mockers were saying and asking the same questions like those above mentioned.
Verse 5-7 reminded those mockers of what God has done and how He did those miracles.
In verses 8 and 9 we are reminded that “A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”
In verses 10-13 our memory is refreshed as to how Christ will come and what will happen here on earth.
Verses 14-17 tell us to be patient and live righteously, pleasing to God. When we don’t, we are only hurting ourselves.
Let’s recap:
- Jesus IS coming back. That’s a promise because God said so.
- He is waiting patiently for you to turn to Him and have faith.
- God does not break a promise.
- His ways and timing is not like ours.
- There will be doubters and mockers all around us.
- Christians are to be strong, patient, and live honorably.
- Don’t give up on the Second Coming. God isn’t giving up on us. His patience is evident of that. It will happen. We don’t know when, but it will. Be ready.
I hope that you will find comfort in the arms of God when man breaks a promise, much like my broken-hearted student found comfort in my arms.
He is waiting for you and will keep His word. God is God, take comfort in that.
Do you need to go share the Good News with someone today? God is waiting on them. He has called you to share. Go. Pray. Be obedient.
I pray many blessings and much JOY for you! Have a wonderful day. – Stephanie