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This statement of God’s promises is such an encouragement. Let’s take a look back and review some of these great promises.
The Promise of LandGenesis 12:7 The LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “This is the country that I am going to give to your descendants.” Then Abram built an altar there to the LORD, who had appeared to him.
The Promise of PeaceDeuteronomy 12:8-9 “When that time comes, you must not do as you have been doing. Until now you have all been worshiping as you please, 9 because you have not yet entered the land that the LORD your God is giving you, where you can live in peace.
The Promise of VictoryJoshua 1:5 Joshua, no one will be able to defeat you as long as you live. I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will always be with you; I will never abandon you.
Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God was faithful. Consider the power in that statement. Even though we don’t do what He requires of us, He is true to His Word. Which is greater… your love for God or His love for you? It is because of that faithfulness that we are able to receive the power of obedience. Obedience is formed after years of watching God do exactly what He said He would. Not only that, these promises are not external to our best interests. They are personal promises spoken over humans.
Why? Because He loves us.
And herein lies an incredible diamond in the rough. Our obedience is not like a dog performing tricks for his master. It is more like a passionate love story where the son takes off with the father’s inheritance and returns to a loving embrace and a party.
The father was faithful. The son became obedient. Meanwhile, the older “obedient” son burned with jealous rage. Why? He viewed his father as his master. He was learning the tricks. The prodigal son had experienced faithful love. He viewed his father as, well, his father.
God is faithful. God loves you. His promises are guaranteed. Live in those promises today.
“In the light of the Cross, is it not true that the enemy has no right to dwell in the land? Is it not true that Satan’s claim to your life was taken from him at Calvary? Is it not true that sin has no right to a foothold in the life of the child of God? Is it not true that Satan has no power in the presence of Omnipotence? Is it not true that by virtue of His blood and His resurrection, Jesus Christ is pledged to destroy the enemy utterly? Is it not true that in the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit there is strength for every temptation, grace for every trial, power to overcome every difficulty?”
Alan Redpath