Church Life

Trust God’s Promises

Christianity Today August 30, 2017

“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.”

Deuteronomy 7:9

Today’s Verse

We all face difficult moments—the loss of a loved one, the pain of a broken dream, or the mourning of a shattered heart. When we do, we need to put one foot in front of the other and believe God will lead us to the place we need to be. But where is that place? What is that place?

As Christians, our hope is that we will make it through the desert wilderness. We can’t see the end, but just as God has brought through those who have gone before us, we must believe he is able to do the same for us. We must hold on to his promises. He will lead us. He will guide us. He will provide for us. He will refine us. He will give us what we need in the midst of our confusion or suffering.

The Bible is full of promises. There are general promises that speak to the body of believers as well as examples of specific promises given to believers who came before us. What are God’s promises to you? God isn’t speaking in Morse code, communicating in confusing ways you have to work hard to discern. His Word is right there before you. It is “alive and powerful” (Hebrews 4:12) and God will speak through the pages of Scripture. You can fully embrace and rely on the truth you find there.

On your desert journey, you will be tempted to forget or question God’s promises. In those moments, trust this reality: The Lord may delay fulfilling his promises, but he will never deny them.

Reflect:
Meditate on Deuteronomy 7:9. In your own life, how have you experienced God’s faithfulness to his promises in Scripture?

Pray:
Reflect on specific examples of God’s faithfulness to his promises and express your gratitude to God.

Bianca Juarez Olthoff is the author of Play with Fire: Discovering Fierce Faith, Unquenchable Passion, and a Life-Giving God (Zondervan). She is also the Chief Storyteller for The A21 Campaign and the Creative Director for Propel Women.

Our Latest

News

Killed: Acclaimed Gospel Vocalist Jubilant Sykes

The Grammy-nominated singer jumped from gospel to opera to spirituals to jazz; he considered it all sacred.

In Bethlehem, God Chose What Is Weak to Shame the Strong

Brad East

What is true of Good Friday applies to Christmas too.

The Bulletin

Hanukkah Attack in Australia and Christmas Hospitality

Steve Cuss, Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll

Shootings prompt a conversation about antisemitism and violence, and Being Human’s Steve Cuss discusses God’s hospitality.

News

Religion on Egyptian Citizens’ ID Cards Enables Christian Persecution

The requirement makes it difficult for religious minorities to get jobs, justice, and opportunities. Advocates are pushing for change.

Review

Personal Preference Is No Way to Judge Faithful Worship

Steven Félix-Jäger’s new volume on biblical, aesthetic, theological, and pastoral considerations in worship will serve many churches.

Review

Union With Christ Means A Responsible Life

Christa McKirland

Theologian Kelly Kapic’s new book Christian Life is a corrective to anxious faith.

My Top 5 Books on Christianity in South Asia

Compiled by Nathanael Somanathan

Wisdom on staying faithful in ministry and navigating multireligious realities in India, Sri Lanka, and beyond.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube