“No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21
What does God actually promise YOU or ME? Does he promise that we will have our heart’s desire in this world. Just because he promised something to Abraham or Moses or whomever, does that mean he promises the same to us … to everyone.
We often equate what God has done elsewhere as if it were a promise to us. Abraham got a kid, so we figure God must do the same for us. Naaman was healed of leprosy by washing on God’s command through Elisha, so we think God will heal us as well, and when God doesn’t do these things, we waiver in our faith. Just because God can do something or did do something doesn’t mean he is obligated to do the same for us.
What God has promised explicitly is the forgiveness of sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This he promises to all who believe. Sure God wants our good and well-being, but we still live in a world marred by sin, and often the “good’ we want is not the good God wants for us. His will is not always our will, but he knows best and is sovereign.
Let us take comfort in the promises God has made and try not to make our desire into promise he has not given - a “pinky swear” of our own concoction.
Prayer: Lord God Almighty, you are good and gracious beyond all measure, and you provide for all my needs, though not all my desires, as good as I might believe they are. I thank you for your promise of what I need most and what you want for me - forgiveness and eternal life with you through Christ’s suffering and death. Help me to hold to this most excellent promise in the dark times. May it be my light and hope. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.