NO GUARANTEES
I start the second day of each pastor’s conference by dressing in costume as Thomas and sharing his testimony. When life doesn’t go as we expect, instead of doubting God we must put our faith in His promises. That’s what Thomas learned the hard way. We must remember that God is in control of all that happens and has a plan and purpose for everything. However, there is no guarantee things will go the way we want. Just because we are serving Him and in the center of His will doesn’t guarantee a smooth, easy life. If you look at the lives of God’s servants in the Bible you will see they all faced many obstacles and challenges in life.
What God does guarantee in His promises, though, is that He will always be with us no matter what we go through (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6). He also guarantees that everything that happens will be to make us more like Jesus (Romans 8:28-29) and that He will be glorified in it (1 Corinthians 10:31). We glorify Him as we see Him helping us through the difficulty and others glorify Him as they see us trusting Him in hard ties. That’s our only guarantee – and that’s enough.
We aren’t guaranteed our time in India will be easy or painless; our health will be perfect or our load light. When the unexpected happens and we don’t understand why, think of Thomas and instead of doubting God, fall back on His promises. I have some of my hardest times in India, but that is when God always seems closer to me. His promises ARE true. He never promised continual good health, wealth, success or perfect relationships. He did promise His presence and His will be done. What more could we ask for? (January 26, 2020 Vijayawada, India)
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
John 5:20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
What are some of your favorite promises in the Bible? Read of quote them. Remember them today. Write them out and carry them with you if that will help. They are true, and they are the only thing you can really count on.