BELIEVING GOD’S PROMISES

“He did not waver at the PROMISE of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God” – Romans 4:20

BELIEVING GOD’S PROMISES is the second key to entering into their perfection: “He did not waver at the PROMISE of GOD through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform” (Rom.4:20-21). A PROMISE is an oral or written agreement to do or not to do something. A promise provides a basis for expectation. God's promises are graciously bestowed, and secured by negotiation. There are thousands of promises for us to claim in God's Word. Abraham did not waver or stagger in his walk of faith with God. His walk with God did not become unsure or vacillating. He was ‘fully convinced’ – totally persuaded – that what God said; He would do! God wants us to be 'promise believers' rather than ‘unbelieving believers.’

Although we may know the promises from God by heart, believing and living in assurance of them can still be a challenge. It is one thing to know His promises, and quite another to actually believe them! God's Word is full of promises for us. But it is like the man who owns a goldmine. He can't enjoy the benefits of it until he gets in there and digs out a few nuggets. Many Christians can quote Scripture, but when they face a daunting trial, their confidence wavers and doubt prevails. Of course, without the awareness and knowledge of Scriptural promises, there is no basis for believing, hence the first step of “Knowing God’s Promises” that we considered yesterday. However, the more we hear, study, learn, and prayerfully meditate in God’s Word, the stronger our faith grows: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom.10:17).

Faith is fundamental to the Christian Life: “the just shall live by faith” (Rom.1:17; Gal.3:11). Every area of our life is based on the promises of God. Everything we do as Christians is premised upon faith in His promises. Faith is a core, compulsory course – not an elective – in the University of Life! This Faith is however a gift from Almighty God centred on His Son, Jesus. Paul said: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I LIVE BY FAITH in the SON of GOD, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal.2:20). The life we live right now is by faith in God’s promises. We get saved by believing His promise relating to salvation: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom.10:9).

Subsequent to salvation, we relate to God by faith, first, because we love Him, but also in order to access all the blessings He has promised in His Word. We read, study, and meditate in our Bibles by faith. We pray, offer thanksgiving and praises to God by faith. We serve the Lord and His Church, share of our substance, give offerings and pay the tithe by faith. Similar to Abraham’s, the Old Testament story of the Widow of Zarephath offers few lessons on believing God’s promises (1Kgs.17:8-16). We are to believe God's promises regardless of the circumstances (v12). His promises are intended to remove fear from our lives (v.13). Believing His promises may seem to involve some personal risk (v.15). But when we live by faith in His promises, God will always supply (v.16). Faith is the connecting bridge of expectations to manifestation!

Faith is the link between Promise and Performance! The conclusion of the matter: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful… Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise” (Heb.10:23, 35-36). God has given us exceeding great and precious promises (2Pet.1:4). He desires that we believe them!