Promises, Promises

“When the kids were little they would ask us if they could go to Disneyland or to a store at the mall and our answer would always be, we will see. My wife always made it clear to not promise the kids because they would always and continually say, but you promised. You think nothing of it when doing it and because kids are so young we think they won’t remember, but their minds never forget anything especially when it comes to going places they want to go. When I was little my parents just flat out said no as there was no gray area or anyway to come back and tell them but you promised. They either did it or they didn’t do it and I think that is probably the best way to parent.

God’s word is filled with so many promises, He promised Abraham that through his seed, his descendants would be more than all the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore. He promised Moses that He would be with him when he led the people out of Egypt, and though the people were rebellious and ungrateful they continually complained, and still God kept his promise. Jesus made the ultimate promise by saying that He would never leave us nor forsake us, and that He would be with us until the end of the age. The problem is we choose to not believe that God isn't real, or we are like Peter who got out of the boat, but looked away from Jesus and sank. Mathew says in chapter Fourteen, 

“He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt? ‭(ESV‬‬) 

Remember right before this, the disciples had partaken in feeding Five Thousand, with just a few fish and loaves of bread. Peter, as Jesus told him, had little faith. There are so many waves and storms going on in the world and in people's lives, and instead of keeping our eyes on Jesus, we’re walking on our own, and not by faith. Paul quotes Habakkuk multiple times about walking by faith. Second Corinthians five seven days,

“FOR WE LIVE BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT.” (ESV) (Emphasis added) 

He also says in Romans one seventeen, 

“For I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL, for it is God’s power FOR SALVATION TO EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith, just as it is written, “The righteous BY FAITH WILL LIVE.”” (NET) (Emphasis added)

HABAKKUK two, two through four says,

“The Lord responded: “Write down this message! Record it legibly on tablets, so the one who announces it may read it easily. For the message is a witness to what is decreed; it gives reliable testimony about how matters will turn out. Even if the message is not fulfilled right away, wait patiently; for it will certainly come to pass – it will not arrive late. Look, the one whose desires are not upright will faint from exhaustion, but the person of integrity will live because of his faithfulness.” (NET)

We can find ourselves thinking God promises us riches and healings, but not all were healed and not all were saved as faith is more than just walking with Jesus. Habakkuk says that the message is easy to read, and though it may not happen right away, to wait patiently. We can keep trying to walk on “water,” going to church, reading our bibles, but if our desires are not upright, we will faint from exhaustion. Jesus said many will fall away before He comes because they were led away, and tired of waiting on His return, or for His  promises to be fulfilled. Judas walked with Jesus for Three and a half years, and hung himself. The world makes so many promises, and constantly fails and makes people lose faith and drown in their sin. Luke eighteen eight says,

“I tell you, he will give them justice speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, WILL HE FIND FAITH ON EARTH?”” (NET) 

We need to believe and be in constant communion and fellowship, not just when the waves come crashing. The feel good gospels are okay for new believers, but Jesus is looking for broken and contrite, humbled faith. So my question is, do you trust God’s promises? Are you only seeking Him when life isn’t fair, and not daily and in every moment. He like my parent’s, is very straightforward with His yes and no. Revelation three says, 

“‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth!” (NET)

Jesus wants all to come to repentance and be on fire in our faith for Him, or He will vomit us out. He will guide us and our faith can make us walk in the truth of Word, and we won’t drown in our circumstances, if we will only keep our eyes on Him. The waves are not ever going to be calm, but only He can calm the storms! That is a promise that will never be broken!” Jose Barajas