WHEN IT SEEMS GOD DOESN’T KEEP HIS PROMISES
It’s been said that God has made 8,810 promises in the Bible. God has never broken even one of them. Yet there are times when it certainly seems like He isn’t keeping His promises
But then how do we reconcile the fact that there are times it seems He hasn’t kept a promise to us? God promises to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19) but what about the Christian family who is unemployed and loses their home? Or the sick loved one who dies despite our praying in faith like James 5:15 says? Many a godly parent raises their child in the way he should go (Proverbs 22:6) but when grown the child turns from the truth and takes their own life? Marriages crumble. Ministries are destroyed. Business’ fail. All despite faithful prayer and living in obedience to God’s Word. How do we explain this?
When we turn to God’s Word we see we aren’t the only ones wondering these things. Abraham was told he’d have countless descendants, yet he and Sarah were childless past the age of child bearing. Habakkuk wondered how God could use a godless, evil nation to judge His people. Asaph in Psalm 73 asked the same question. Paul didn’t understand how God could turn away from His own people and His promises to them and instead welcome Gentiles into the Kingdom (Romans 9). Hebrews 11:39 says the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 lived faithful lives but faced terrible suffering and that “none of them received what had been promised.” Why does it seem some promises are not kept? I don’t claim to have all insight or the final answer to this question, but there ae some things to keep in mind.
- Some promises have conditions with them. If a coach is guaranteed a bonus for winning 10 games, but only wins 9, the promise is still good but he hasn’t met the qualification. “If we confess out sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “If My people, who are called in My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14-16).
- Some statements are principles but not clear promises. Saying that healthy living brings long life is a true principle, but not a 100% promise for every single person. Generally speaking, it is true that if you raise a child in the way he should go that he will respond and follow Jesus, but each person has their own free will and so this isn’t always true (Proverbs 22:6).
- Other times we make a promise say more than it really does. Paul told the Philippians God would provide for their financial needs because they sacrificially provided for his (Philippians 4:19). Could it be that sometimes what we consider a ‘need’ God doesn’t, especially if He is stretching our faith? After all, what do we really “need” in life? Just some basics to sustain life, and then not even that when our time on earth is over.
- There are promises in the Bible that apply to others but not us. This is especially true for promises to Israel who was under a different dispensation of God’s dealings than we are today. Some promises were just for the Jews in the past, manna for example. Other promises are for Israel in the future and not us today. God’s promise of healing in response to prayer in faith by elders and anointing with oil in James 5:15 was given to Jews who had been promised that in the Old Testament. That doesn’t mean it carries on to us Gentiles who are not under the law today.
- Delay doesn’t necessarily mean “no”, it often means “wait.” Abraham would receive many descendants; it just wasn’t God’s time yet. God would soon judge the evil nations He used to discipline the Jews. Israel will one day be restored and blessed by God as promised (Romans 9).
Don’t think I’m trying to make excuses for God when it doesn’t seem He is keeping His promises. God can defend Himself and take care of His own reputation. Despite what I have said, there are certainly times when we wonder why God does what He does. He doesn’t ask our opinion, nor does He tell us. He has proven His faithfulness and that He has our best interests at heart. Leaving heaven and going to the cross to provide us with eternity with Him is certainly proof enough.
Perhaps this blog can help you understand some things better. And the things that you still don’t understand just take by faith. You can question God when you get to heaven, although I doubt any of us will ever do that! Remember the promises He has kept and is keeping, and trust the rest to His loving, sovereign will.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Have you in the past, or are you now struggling with something in your life that seemed contrary to God’s promises? Has this article helped you see it differently?
Spend some time thanking God for His promises and all the ones He has kept in your life. Thank Him for each one. Where would you be without them?cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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