Not Even a Handshake

To be known as a person who “keeps their word” is a treasure indeed! They say that a person’s hand-shake used to be all that was needed – along with their word. That was their contract – if it was “said,” it was as good as “done.” See, although popular opinion seems to declare, “Promises are made to be broken,” the real truth of the matter is, “promises are made to be KEPT!”

All of us have most likely known the joy of someone following through on a promise. Many of us have known the disappointment and heartbreak when someone has not followed through. However, there is One who makes promises He keeps. He is our God! The Almighty! Our Provision and our Provider! Whatever He promises He does. It might not always be in just the time frame we think He ought to do it – but if we will not get in a hurry, we will SEE His promises fulfilled.

Remember when God promised Abraham a son? Not only Abraham, but his wife Sarah even fell prey to the tempting thought that they needed to “help God out” on making sure He kept His promise. The truth was, God was faithful – whether they humanly saw His faithfulness at that moment or not. He wasn’t “backing up” on keeping His Word. It just wasn’t His appointed time to bring fulfillment to the promise given. Even after their colossal sin – that still brings repercussions to the world to this day – God still kept His promise. He gave them Isaac – who is known as “the son of promise.”

In Numbers 22 & 23, there is another incredible account of God keeping His promise! Israel is God’s chosen people. As they travel to the plains of Moab, the King of Moab, Balak, and his people take a look at what God had enabled them to do to other enemies. Then, they take a look at how many of them there are. They are terrified! Balak is sure He can convince Balaam to bring a curse on these people. No matter what they tried, God would not allow it. God even made a donkey talk to get Balaam’s attention! Still, Balak was determined. Even after Balaam couldn’t do it the first time, Balak takes him to a place where he can see ALL the people. When Balaam consults with God, this is the message he receives to take back to Balak. “God is not a man, that he should lie. He is not a human, that he should change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? I received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!” Numbers 23:19, 20 (NLT) Hallelujah! We serve the same God today! He doesn’t change His mind! He doesn’t promise and not fulfill! He keeps whatever promises He makes – we can STAND on that!

There is a wonderful, gospel song; we used to sing a lot in camp meeting. The chorus goes like this, “Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior. Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.” Recently, I heard a story of one of the older ladies I know that has served God for years. Whenever she was facing something extremely difficult, she would take a little card of scripture that was her promise from God, and as her reminder, she would place it in her shoe. That way, everywhere she went, she was literally standing on the promises of God!

The real affirmation of God’s promises to us is found in His Son, Jesus Christ. The NLT translation of II Cor.1:19b – 20 put it like this, “. . . and he is the Divine Yes – God’s affirmation. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Him.” Jesus is the Way, The Truth, The Life. He is the One we can count on! His Resurrection brings our eternal life. We can rely on His Promise. His Word – doesn’t even need a hand-shake!

Written by: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it with You

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 1:20 (NIV)