GOD’S PRECIOUS PROMISES

 

“(B)y which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:4).

 

Life is difficult. It is hard to clear every obstacle that comes up in our daily lives without getting discouraged. It is during these times we must remember the promises God has given us. While they are vital to the Christian, I am not talking about those promises concerning eternity, heaven, and our final reward. I am talking about promises for the here and now, promises that can see us through the dark and difficult days of life.

 

When I Am Tempted. We all face temptation on a regular basis. Sometimes it seems as if we just cannot overcome it. Remember God’s precious promise. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

 

When I Am Afraid. Perhaps when you were a child, you were afraid of the dark. What are you afraid of now: sickness, job loss, financial difficulties, death? Remember God’s precious promise. “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

 

When I Need Guidance. From time to time, we all need help in choosing the right path. We are faced with difficult choices and need guidance. Remember God’s precious promise. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

 

When I Am Lonely. I remember going to basic training in Missouri. I stepped off the bus farther away from family than I had ever been. I would have given just about anything to see a friendly face. Remember God’s precious promise. “And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (Exodus 33:14).

 

When I Have Sinned. There is the forgiveness a sinner receives when he obeys the gospel. In this case, I am referring to the Christian who sins. In writing to Christians, John says that if we deny sin in our lives we deceive ourselves. Even as God’s children we slip and stumble from time to time. Remember God’s precious promise. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7,9).

 

When I Face Death. Death is probably one of the greatest fears of every person. Remember God’s precious promise. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).

 

These are only a few of God’s precious promises, but the next time life tries to take you down, remember God is there.

--Lamar