There is a bold statement in the book of Joshua that stirred me once again: “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua 21:45).
It is a powerful reminder that not only is God able, but that He wants to give us good gifts. A promise is a gift that has to be believed and received. You cannot work for it, but you can reject it when your focus is on seemingly impossible situations. I am sure there are many reading this who feel weary, alone and possibly hopeless as we look around us and see what is happening in family, the city and the country. It is easy to get discouraged when you keep giving, hoping and do not see change. So I want to encourage you with truth that is not subject to reality. Truth that is eternal transcends temporary reality. Jesus says (this is eternally ongoing), that you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. Jesus is truth. So often we allow ourselves to be disappointed because; the government said, the mayor said, my father said… and the list can go on. But God is not a man that He should lie. He has a track record and the scriptures are full of his faithfulness. So when we read, “Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled” (Joshua 21:45) we remind ourselves that the God who kept every word to His people then, is the same God overseeing your story today.
Secondly. The primary work that the Lord is busy with is within us.
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion…” (Philippians 1:6). When we realise that our inner world becomes our outer world, we start to realise that humility and prayer are vital in difficult seasons. Perseverance is a necessary discipline, but it is not about mustering your own strength. It is about cooperating with a faithful God who is actively, purposefully working in and shaping you so that we can be ambassadors of hope to those around us.
Finally, look forward with hopeful hearts: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Our “proper time” is in His hands. Our call is to continue to show up, love our neighbours, help where we can and hold fast to what is good.
So, let us keep encouraging one another for God’s promises are gifts to receive, that fill our hearts with hope, should we not give up.
– Emmanuel Archontakis of the Kingdom Ministeries in Welkom
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