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Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Learning to Lean on God’s Promises When Troubles Hit

In review of Joshua 21:45 I'm reminded that “Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true” (NLT).

Today’s verse from Joshua 21, reminds me that the Lord kept every one of the promises that he had made to the people of Israel.

God proved faithful in fulfilling every promise he had given to Israel. Fulfillment of some promises took several years, but "not a single ones left unfulfilled." God's promises will be fulfilled according to his timetable, not mine, but I know that his word is sure. The more I learn of those promises that God has fulfilled and continues to fulfill, the easier it is to hope for those yet to come. Often I become impatient wanting God to act in a certain way now. Instead I should faithfully do what I know he wants me to do and trust him for the future.

What I’m learning is that when I experience a setback, I tend to focus in the wrong place. I look at the bank account, keep my eyes on others or put our attention on what I can hold on to.

God says that when everything in life is falling apart, we need to remember that his promises can be trusted.

When I can’t count on anything else, I can count on the promises of God.

That’s what Paul told his shipmates when they were being battered by a storm in Acts 27. All looked lost. But God had told Paul that they all would be safe. Paul trusted God and told the others: “So take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me” (Acts 27:25 CSB).

Paul didn’t place his faith in the ship or the captain. Paul trusted God.

That boat wasn’t going to last forever. Paul understood that, but he knew the promises of God would last.

So I need to consider, am I trying to put my trust in a puny lifeboat? That puny lifeboat will someday perish. The only safe place to be in the middle of a storm is directly in the center of God’s will.

When I lean on God’s promises during a storm, I won’t be the only one who is helped.

God just might save my whole ship.

Bottom line:
Every good thing the Lord had promised them came true.

What this means to me:
God's promises will be fulfilled, but not on my timetable, but rather in God's own perfect timing.

In summary, the Lord kept every one of the promises that he had made to the people of Israel. What I need to keep in mind is that God's promises will be fulfilled according to his timetable, not mine. Often I can become impatient wanting God to act in a certain way that I want. Instead I should be faithful to do what I know he wants me to do and then trust him for the future. When everything in life is falling apart, I can know that his promises can be trusted. I can count on his promises for they will always come true.

Yesterday I experienced a setback, where I trusted and hoped in something that I know I should never have trusted in. It left me bitter and I just need to get over it and push forward putting plans together that I know I should have done. I need to reset my expectations and put into motion that which will need to be done. This does relate to what God’s word revealed to me. I can count on him to keep his promises even when others don’t. Today I pray Father to help get over the bitterness and disappointment and focus on what needs to be done. I ask for your wisdom and guidance again today for handling what I need to do, lead my team and interact with others in the right way. I ask this in your Son Jesus name, amen.

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