A promise is a declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that a particular thing will happen. In Psalms 77, it is written:
8 Has His mercy ceased forever?
Has His promise failed forevermore?
Throughout Scripture, FATHER has declared WHO HE is and what HE does with 100% consistency, trust, and reliance. Stop and think about this before proceeding…
How would you like everyone you dealt with to have the same consistency as FATHER? Yes it would be refreshing to be able to trust the words of others, especially those who declare themselves to be Christians. These days you must frequently assess the intent behind the words you hear to see if they are truly genuine or are they simply trying to manipulate and exploit you for their own benefit. On the other hand, FATHER makes promises and does not fail to keep them.
In the old days, a man’s word was his bond and then it was followed up by a handshake. These days it requires a legal document, the longer the better, to cover all potential attempts to break the promise made. Men looking for loopholes are simply lawless and manipulative. The U.S. has more lawyers per capita than any other country on earth which speaks volumes concerning the state of morals and ethics of our population. Is there any wonder why things are in such a mess? Is it surprising to you to find every financial market manipulated by those in control? The hearts of the people are reflected in the leadership.
We, on the other hand, should reflect our FATHER’S Character. When we make a promise we should do everything in our power to keep that promise. We should never make a promise we don’t intend to honor. In the early 1980’s we were attending a small church and made an unsigned financial pledge for a particular need. The pastor asked only to write an amount on a piece of paper and place it in the offering box. No one knew our pledge amount. Later we were led to help start a gathering on the north side of the city. After only a few weeks, FATHER brought our pledge to remembrance. We immediately called the pastor and met with him to hand him the check. It was sizeable for us but nonetheless it was important to follow through. Most people simply “forget” their word and hope there is no record of it… anywhere. The former pastor was a little surprised but thankful.
FATHER has a full and complete record of your words. Job tells us in chapter 16:
19 Surely even now my witness is in heaven, And my evidence is on high.
And in Revelation chapter 20:
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
Words have power and often contain promises or declarations. When FATHER promises us eternal life, we expect HIM to keep HIS Word. When HE proclaims HIMSELF to be the GOD WHO HEALETH THEE (Jehovah Rapha), we should also expect HIM to keep HIS Word in the area of healing as well. It is important to identify HIS promises and then be fully persuaded that HE will fulfill every promise HE has stated. Identifying and believing the promise brings forth hope. Trusting that HE can and will keep the promise brings forth faith. Mature Sons and Daughters will exude the same level of consistency as FATHER. Their promises will be as solid as HIS. Let us keep the reality of HIS Promises before us each day. Let us be reminded of these Promises in our daily interactions with others.