The Promise Keeper
By Maria Drayton
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harmyou, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
I found myself saying “okay” but knew already that I didn’t want to do it and probably wouldn’t do it. My son had been riding me for years about my bad habit and finally in his reasoning decided now was the time. “Mom, it’s about to be New Year’s and I think January 1st would be a good goal for you.”
But truthfully, I didn’t want to talk about it and I knew he was right. What was I waiting for? On? I had made all the excuses I could think of and still no change. But it was time. Time to change things and stop thinking of excuses. Time to move on. I had held out and on long enough. Time to keep my promise.
I’m glad God is not like me. He’s faithful to me, despite me.
God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? Numbers 23:19
I always start out with the greatest intention but it doesn’t take long for it to fade away to the background. My desire is to keep my promise but the reality of the situation always presents a different outcome. I’m so glad God is not like us! He’s faithful despite us!
So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help. Isaiah 30:18 NLT
It’s not only my son that I can’t keep my promises with; it’s been God, too! Am I the only one? ”Lord, if you just help me this one time, I promise I will _____.” And again, whatever I promised would never be fulfilled - yet the Lord always held up His end of the deal. Until one day I found this scripture:
When you make a promise to God, don’t delay in following through, for God takes no pleasure in fools. Keep all the promises you make to him. It is better to say nothing than to make a promise and not keep it. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 NLT
Has God promised you anything? He’s not like us. He keeps His promises! I remember when the Lord told me that I would write a book, it was 1998. It seemed so far-fetched to me that I didn’t really believe it. I heard it, wrote it down, and dismissed it.
Until 2018, when a publisher found me and suggested that I write a book! Crazy! God is faithful to fulfill His promises if we wait on Him.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
It’s not easy to wait. I get it. But we must learn to “wait well.” Waiting well, I’d like to think of is without complaint, or anxiety. It is resting in the peace and the knowledge of God and trusting in His timing and perfect will for our lives. He is our promise keeper and He is faithful to do all that He has said.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being faithful to us despite us. You are the ultimate promise keeper. We desire to have Your perfect will in our lives. Help us to trust and wait for You and your perfect timing. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
© 2019 by Maria Drayton. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Monday, 01 July 2024.
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