The Christian life is a blessed one - far better than wandering through life without God. With this understanding in mind, we can also be honest and admit that life sometimes has its challenges. If you're like me, you have probably experienced both good times and bad - mountain top triumphs and valleys of discouragement. Thankfully, our blessings far outnumber our trials! As a follower of Jesus Christ, the best place I can turn to in times of trials is the Bible, which holds the keys to wisdom, strength, and happiness. II Corinthians 1:20 states, "For all the promises of God in Him (Jesus Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." Simply put, everything that God declared He would do for followers of Jesus, He will do! We can build our lives on the relevant and enduring Word of God, and be confident that He will keep His promises - since He is faithful and true. Here are ten timeless promises which bring strength and encouragement to me, and I hope they will do the same for you!
1. DIRECTION. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."
~ When we commit to live for Jesus Christ as Lord and trust in Him fully, He guides the events of our lives and leads us daily - keeping us on his perfect path which he has preordained for us to experience.
2. GOODNESS. Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
~ When we love God and live for His purpose, we can rest assured that He works all things - the positive and the negative - to produce goodness in our lives!
3. PROVISION. Philippians 4:19 "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
~ It is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father promises to supply all of our need (not our greed), regardless of difficult circumstances or mounting odds against us. He takes care of His own.
4. PROVIDENCE. Isaiah 46:9-10 "Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying 'My council shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.'"
~ There is only one God, and He is on the Throne! He gives mankind free-will, often resulting in harmful choices. Nevertheless, God is in control, fulfilling His providential master plan throughout the ages.
5. WISDOM. James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach., ad it will be given to Him."
~ God provides heavenly wisdom and direction, both for difficult and confusing circumstances, and for everyday life. All we have to do is ask Him in prayer to lead us, and believe Him for the answer!
6. DELIVERANCE. Psalm 91:14 "Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My Name."
~ We do face battles as believers in Jesus Christ. However, God is our refuge and fortress. Even if we are tested in order to help us grow, know that He also delivers us in His perfect way and perfect time.
7. SUCCESS. Joshua 1:8 "This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."
~ A simple yet powerful Kingdom principle; obedience to God's Word brings blessing; disobedience brings destruction. The Bible is God's blueprint to build a happy life - both for now and eternity.
8. CHURCH. Matthew 16:18 "And I also say that you are Peter, and on this Rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."
~ Regardless of the enemy's strategies and attacks, more and more people are coming to know Jesus Christ as Lord. The Kingdom of God will advance, and Jesus will return for His Bride - the Church!
9. HEALING. Isaiah 53:5 "But He was wounded for our transgression, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."
~ Jesus Christ paid for our salvation through His shed blood on the cross. Through faith in Him we have forgiveness, salvation and healing - body, mind, heart, and soul. Sometimes believers receive physical healing in this present life, but all of God's children are promised complete healing and happiness when we receive transformed bodies in His glorious presence! (See Romans 8:18-25)
10. ETERNITY. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
~ We all go through struggles in life, and sometimes we lose loved ones who pass from this earth. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the hope and assurance that when this life is over, we will enjoy an eternal reward in the glorious presence of our Lord and Saviour! Choosing to live for Jesus Christ guarantees us an abundant life now, and eternal life later in our heavenly home - praise His name!
