I have been wrestling with my own personal deep seated fear. I didn’t realize it at first. I thought I was a little bit sad, perhaps. Maybe a bit under the weather, just a little bit restless, or so I told my friends. But that wasn’t the problem. I am deeply afraid that what I want to happen in my life – what God has promised me – won’t happen.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”  — I John 4:18

My fear is a lack of trust, probably the worst (and easiest) thing for me to do. It almost feels good, thinking that I’m not good enough for God to do what He has promised me through His word and through the words of the authorities God has placed in my life. It feels like some kind of perverse modesty or humility, thinking that I am too evil to be used by God.

But that’s incorrect thinking. I’m not big enough or bad enough to interfere with God’s will. That certainly does not mean that I can do anything I like and expect to have the ministry or life that I want. It doesn’t mean that my free will doesn’t matter. It doesn’t mean that I am predestined to greatness or ruin regardless of my actions. It means that God, my Father, knows His kid is going to mess up. He also knows the plans He has for me, plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans He has had since before He formed me. What I have to do is trust my Father, walk in the path He has laid out, and trust some more.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.”  — Psalm 91

“Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.”  — Micah 7:8

There are many promises found in the Bible. Usually when we speak of promises, we’re referring to promises made by God to us, and most of the promises we find are of that nature. But it is encouraging to me to realize that Micah 7:8 is a promise of a different kind. It is not a promise from God to us or even to Micah, but a promise from Micah to his enemy. It is a statement of commitment and purpose. Let’s examine the parts of this promise.

Mine enemy: What of this enemy? The Bible clearly states that our enemy is the devil. I Peter 5:8 tells us to “be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” His primary goal is to destroy our walk with God and get us to rebel as completely as he has rebelled. In other words, his goal is for us to fall. When we are in a state of sin his plans are working, because we are cut off from God.

When I fall: Contrary to popular myth, no one is perfect. If we were perfect, we would never sin. But this is not the case: “all have sinned” according to Romans 3:23. James said that “every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin.” (James 1:14-15) So as long as we are within reach of temptation, it is possible for us to sin. Thus Micah did not use the conditional “if”; he acknowleged his human failures and said “when”.

I shall arise: Here is the part that separates the results of this promise from our usual experience. The normal human tendency when confronted by personal failure is either to give up or to deny failure. Either way, we get stuck there. Failure can even become life-defining. But Micah, anticipating the forgiveness of God, promises to take a different path: he purposes to get back up. There is no qualification of any kind placed on the promise — at every fall, he has purposed to pick himself up again.

Rejoice not against me: What is the significance of this action? It is twofold: first, Micah’s relationship with God will remain strong, for every bout with adversity will cause him to turn back to God. Second, this reaction is the strongest possible attack on the devil. Just when it appears that he has won by causing us to fall, we get back up again. Not only that, but we will not have lost time by staying disconnected from God. No matter what the enemy uses to attack us, it is ultimately a failure on his part if we remain close to God. Our conscious return to God’s plan is equivalent to rubbing the devil’s nose in his own failure. Micah’s promise states that he will make the devil a failure forever — and so can you.

A we got older, pinky promises became more scarce. We weren’t as quick to give out promises as we were to receive them. The word ‘promise’ holds so much power. In just one little word, hopes are risen, attitudes can change, directions made anew.  Mixed with the pronoun I, it becomes even more powerful. As much positive feedback as the word promise can give, it can also be mixed with a negative influence. Promises are broken, and the devastation that one has makes it harder to believe the next person who says, “I promise.” The thing that I dislike about promises is that they are too easily messed with. With one simple word they can be made, but as quickly as they are made they can be broken and destroyed, leaving you with a significant hole in your hope and faith.

What would you say if I told you that I know a person that has never once has gone back on His promises? That’s right, never. By no means has a word been falsely said. Not at all. Every  single time that He has thought to deliver a promise to someone’s ears, He has faithfully delivered time and time again. God is the incredible source of a never ending supply of kept promises. The core of who He is is a promise.  He cares about our well being, our hurts, and our very lives. God, the most powerful source in the universe, says the most fragile and powerful words in the world, and never falters.

God says “I promise…”

• never to leave you or forsake you.
• to provide for your every need.
• to become your present help in a time of trouble.
• to protect you.
• to heal your broken heart.
• to love you.
• to give you hope, peace, and joy.
• give you abundant life
• to save you.

For some people, He has promised them their own personal promises. They may not be here just yet, but His track record is impeccable. God reaches down and picks us up. He cares for us, and looks after our hearts. He promises, and we have hope. It can be hard to believe and trust that God will come through on all his promises, but remember: all His promises are true. His promises, unlike the pinky promise, hold enduring power to last through a lifetime. And the best part is, He not only delivers on one promise, but He gives you more and continues to keep them true. Pinky promises are legit, but God’s promises are enduring.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  – John 3:3

These words ran through my mind over and over again as I sat listening to the minister preach. What was this? I’d been hearing this verse completely wrong! I had even quoted it and I still didn’t have it right!

That night it struck me differently than it ever had before. I used to hear it and think Jesus said, “except a man be born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” But notice the difference: it doesn’t say “enter,” it actually says “see.” Even though they are both powerful ideas, it struck me as amazing. He said “enter” as well in a later verse, but here He went as far to say that you can’t even see the kingdom of God without a “born again” experience.

My mind goes back to the story of Moses and the promised land. The only difference is that Moses was allowed to see the place he was going to go to—but he couldn’t go there. He had the misfortune of being able to see the amazing country God had in mind for the people, yet being unable to enter it. It’s like if someone let you stand outside of the most amazing amusement park, or a historic sports event, or a beautiful garden—whatever your definition of wonderful is—and then stopped you from going in to it.

Yet Jesus said that we can’t even see that amazing place without Him. We can’t hear or see anything about it. We can only imagine. I don’t want to be like Moses sitting on the outskirts, unsure about whether I’ll be able to see this amazing place or not. The thing is, God has given us so many tools not just to see, but to enter into His kingdom. We don’t have to settle for less! He laid out the path before us. Yes, at times it may be difficult, but isn’t forever much more amazing than right now? Jesus loved us so much He died for us. Then after he washed all our sins away He made a way for us to live with him forever. So many times I take this for granted. I need to learn to put my everything into not just seeing but entering. I know you do as well.

Here is your challenge: if you aren’t certain that you will enter the Kingdom, get to the place where you are sure. I know that in the end when Jesus gathers His Kingdom together, you and I will want to be there entering, not just sitting off to the side. Don’t just see, but enter!

That famous phrase can be used in almost any form of competition, from the World Series to a Scrabble tournament, from a heavyweight fight to the final scene of a drama. The thrill of the odds-defying comeback story has probably enchanted everyone at some time.

But I want to talk about something even more significant than a story line or the encouragement of a coach or a Yogi Berra quote.  I’m talking about dreams that have died. About promises that have not yet visibly produced and ideas and thoughts you had that now seem impossible. I’m talking about the healthy relationships you desired or the realization you aspired to.

Think about the things that have been buried deep inside you: the promises, giftings, callings, and abilities; the words of hope and love you once longed to feel. You may have even forgotten them. Maybe you’ve just given up. You don’t want to be disappointed again, so it’s easier just not to hope.

But it ain’t over till it’s over.

Let me tell you about a woman named Rahab who lived in the city of Jericho.  She was not the local success story; in fact, she was a harlot. There were probably other things she would have preferred to do for a living, but for whatever reasons she was stuck being who she had become.  Maybe she had longed to be a respected woman.  But now she was trapped in Jericho, a city doomed for destruction.

The Israelites were marching toward her home. She knew the power of the God of the Israel: His mighty acts of protection and provision and how He had delivered opposing armies into their hands. It must have been an awful feeling. The thought, “my life is a wreck and now all hope is gone,” must have crossed her mind at some point.

It seemed like the end of the book. To Rahab’s joy, it was really the beginning of a new chapter: God gave Rahab and her family another chance. That’s exactly what God wants do for anyone who has dreamed and whose dream has died. Things may seem to be getting worse and worse, just like Rahab’s situation in Jericho. Everything she had known and everything she was used to was crumbling around her. But through this shake-up, God was making a way for her to escape the dream-killing, aspiration-quenching place she had been stuck in.

What seems like shaking and up-heaving and un-surety might just be God liberating you to believe again. Maybe the hopelessness around you is God tearing down the walls that have confine you. Let Him breathe life into dreams the giver of all good gifts has given you. Hope again, believe again, trust God again.  And remember . . . it ain’t over till it’s over, baby!

Has God restored some dreams in your life? Or are you in the middle of a shakedown? Visit the comments section for this article and remind someone that it’s not over yet!

The thought haunted him during the watchful nights and into the disruptive early morning barrages. His prophecies against the king and for the invading army had finally landed him in jail, and from all appearances he was going to stay there until the city was overtaken. This was not how he’d pictured a successful ministry.

But God really was speaking to him — every prophecy he’d spoken was either evident or was being fulfilled at that moment. Prophecy continued: God told the man that his cousin would arrive shortly to sell him a piece of property.

It was too much. Chosen of God and in prison? Buying land he’d never see? It felt like he was completely out his place, a failure, citizen of a crumbling nation. The prisoner — Jeremiah was his name — could no longer accept his own prophecy.

You can see it plainly in Jeremiah 32:8, “So Hanameel mine uncle’s son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance is thine, and the redemption is thine; buy it for thyself. Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD.”

Jeremiah did not accept the word at first. He didn’t accept the word until Hanameel showed up in the prison courtyard. I think he just couldn’t. Thoughts, emotions, and spirits all tried to convince him that this was not the truth. Prison was the wrong place for this. No one wants to be in prison. Through prophecy, it’s already sure that the beseiging Babylonians will conquer Judah. The prophecy didn’t make sense: he was sure never to see that land. It was just too much to accept.

But those are feelings. The truth was that every other prophecy had been proved true. Jeremiah knew how to hear from God. The problem he had was believing God when it felt like God had brought him to nothing.

I think we tend to do the same thing today. We feel like something is not right or that our situation is beyond repair. We feel despondent and unproductive, even when Truth shows us that everything is going according to plan. What’s the solution? Accept the word that God has spoken. Don’t wait for Hanameel to arrive before you can believe.

Have you ever felt like Jeremiah did? What ways have you accepted the word of God? Share some hope in the comments section.

This passage speaks to me of Abram’s faith in God. He wanted his riches to come from the right Source. He wanted to receive the promise and the blessing God had for him, not what man could provide. Thus, Abram made an oath that he would not accept anything from Sodom, the symbol of worldliness. If it meant giving up all the riches the city had to offer – and eventually it did – still Abram would have none of it. His life required the genuine process in order to produce genuine results.

Abram forgot this, of course: he had a son through means God did not intend. The process was improper, and Abram’s son Ishmael had to be cut off from any inheritance. This breach has had effects even to the present day, as the descendants of Ishmael continue to attack the descendants of Isaac. But God provided a way to obtain the promise correctly: He allowed Abraham and Sarah to have a son of their own, the promised child Isaac.

The final act in this drama of the soul is Abraham and Isaac walking up Mount Moriah. God gave this son to Abraham, and now He requires him to be given back. It must have been heart-wrenching for Abraham, but he had learned his lesson: God raised up one son, and He can raise up another if He wants to. But I can’t deviate from His plan. I can’t make that mistake again. The promise is in His hands, and I’ll never get to it if I don’t follow Him. His genuine process produces the genuine promise.

Oh, life offers promises, all right – false promises. They seem to work for a little while, but they didn’t arrive by the right process. False promises are not capable of producing true results. We need the “Faithful and True” to guard our promises. That right process of God changing us will produce the right result.

What are some other effects of a right process? Are there other examples that help you when you’re in danger of forfeiting genuine process? Drop us a line in the comments.

A tremor ran through the ground. People started to move out of the street.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

Now a miniature earthquake seemed to be taking place. Everyone hurried aside.

What was happening in the land of Canaan? Nothing major: just some of the children of Anak out for an evening stroll. While not a common sight for Joshua, Caleb and the other 10 spies, it was normal for pre-Israelite Canaan. These spies were searching out the promised land of Canaan, a land they’d heard about for as long as they could remember. It was the land God promised to their people hundreds of years ago. They were actually walking around in a dream come true, experiencing their promise first hand.

Despite this, when they returned to Moses to give the report of the things they had seen, all of the spies except Joshua and Caleb gave a negative account. Oh, they admitted to the wonderful fruits that the land produced, but the giants they saw had completely shaken their faith (you can read their account in Numbers 13:25-33). Even though God had come through for them time and time again, the promise that He would deliver the land into their hands was no longer good enough.

Even today, fellow Christians have joined me in wondering whether God is really going to come through against the giants in our lives. Our giants have names like Loss of Finances, Death of a Loved One, and Recurring Medical Problems.

God is a provider, isn’t He? God gives life, doesn’t He? God is a healer, right? Then why are all these giants here? All I know is that God has a plan laid out for us according to His Divine design. Maybe you’re frustrated because you’re unable to see what’s around the next bend in the road. Sometimes we can’t even see the road for all the giants in the way. But unlike the ten spies, we cannot allow the size of the giants make us forget the size of the Giant-Maker.

Is this just blind faith, or another form of positive thinking? Not at all. If God said He would do something, He will. God created us; He can also heal us. God gave us a job in the first place; He can provide another job. God decided when your current situation would start; He’s decided when it will end. So hold on to your promises, because God will be there in time.

How do you hold on to promises in the face of giants? How do you keep your grip on reality when appearances contradict the truth? Defy the giants in your life and share a little faith in the comments.