Hebrews 6: 18 (NLT)
So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangegable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to his promise with confidence.
So, it’s been nearly two months and we’re still at home. For some of us, we’re still putting our lives in God’s hands by leaving our homes and going out to work- to serve. Whether in- or out- of the house, there are concerns. How safe are we, really? When will this pandemic end? How will life look when the doors of schools, churches, and the Department of Motor Vehicle open? These are practical questions that any reasonable person might ask. But God’s not reasonable. God is Sovereign.
Think back to the day before being in this state of social isolation. My last day at work was Friday, March 13th. What were you doing that day? Did you get into your car and drive to the mall or supermarket? Did you call an Uber to take you where you wanted to go? Maybe you had lunch with a friend? Was God not faithful on March 13th? If he’s the same God, then his ways haven’t changed. If he provided shelter, food, and opportunity in March, he’s perfectly capable of doing the same in April, May and beyond. Our challenges do not exceed his capacity to respond. Just because we don’t understand what he’s doing doesn’t mean that he doesn’t understand what he’s doing.
God made a promise to Abraham. They weren’t just flowery words to tell Abraham what he wanted to hear. God made an oath- a covenant- an unbreakable, unshakable vow. Abraham would have a son, but he would have wait- not a week, or 9 months. He’d have to wait 25 years, patiently (and impatiently) remembering the oath. God’s word is his bond and he kept his promise to his servant. Isaac was the fulfillment of Abraham’s heart’s desire.
We can be encouraged when what we’re looking for takes a while because when God makes a promise he puts himself on notice. We may have to wait, and we may wonder about the timing of his plan, but he will keep his vow to us.
God has promised to provide what we need (Philippians 4:19), to take care of us (Isaiah 46: 4-13), to give us the shelter of his presence (Psalm 91:1-2), and to be our God (Psalm 48:14). He hasn’t changed his mind or gone on vacation. We can trust him. He’ll show up for us and is working on our behalf even now. Because of his promises we can live in isolation courageously (Joshua 1:9). He’s with us in every circumstance. Change is coming. Just hold on.
Prayer
Lord,
Thank you for being “the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). In a world where people change their minds all of the time, we have your promise that you’ll be with us and that you’ll take care of us. Thank you for the consistency of your character.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well,
Michele