The Promise Keeper

For to us a child is born. To us a son is given; and the government will be on his shoulders. His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of David, and on his kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.             Isaiah 9:6-7 (WEB)

A Messiah.  A Savior for God’s children.  God promised the Savior.  He kept His promise – seven hundred years later! But – Jesus was more than a Savior.  He is Mighty God and King of Kings and so much more.  For me, the best part, after being my Savior, is – Jesus is my example.  Having walked before me on every path that I will ever have to take – is the second best part!

God’s promises are true and His fulfillment of promises is better than I can ask or imagine.  The ‘tough part’ for me is that God’s timing is too often different than mine.  It is an area of my life that is a daily struggle. God is faithful to keep working with me.

But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9 (WEB)

I believe that God’s timing in my life is ‘driven’ by His desire of “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”.  I do not have God’s eyes.  I don’t know all that He knows.  I don’t know all the ways that my life is connected to so many others and their lives are connected to others.  I do know how precious the gift of salvation is to me and how much God had to keep after me, telling me, “I love you, Jody!” before I would let go and ask His forgiveness.  So I don’t know all the ways that my life moving or not moving effects others. I am learning to wait for God to say, “Go” or “Stay”, “Yes” or “No”. I learning to have a heart like Jesus that desires that no one perishes.

I met a man yesterday who shared with me that he and his wife have waited a long time and said many, many prayers and cried many tears as they asked God to give them a child.  They found out that they will have a baby in October.  God fulfills His promises.

Even when God says, “No”, He may show me that a better “Yes” is coming.  I may not see or understand for awhile – even a long while – but sometimes I do and I see answered prayer. I receive encouragement from others as I see Him work in their lives.  And so I ‘hang in there’ and “the Wonderful Counselor” speaks to my heart, speaking Spirit to spirit, and I know God’s love and His goodness.

[Jesus said,] “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”                    Matthew 11:28-30 (WEB)

Let’s stop being prideful, stubborn, and – well, just stupid! – and step closer to Jesus who is our Savior and Promise Keeper.