Many of us have heard with terror about the time of trouble, the Sunday laws and that the day will come when we cannot buy or sell and other like things. This constitutes a very small part of what is written in the Bible. The majority of that which is recorded in the Bible are the promises of God. Let’s share some of those promises that are so dear to the people God.
Encouragement is given through the Spirit of Prophecy to know and depend on God’s promises.
“We should store the mind with the precious promises and instructions of God’s word. When Satan seeks to divert the attention to things of no profit, then we should think and talk of these heavenly promises, and the tempter will be vanquished. By thus battling day by day, with earnest prayer and determined faith, all may gain the victory.” Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists (1886), 214.
It is the goal of all Christians awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus to gain the victory over the adversary, the devil, and the way to do that is to memorize the promises, thinking upon them and using them as they are needed.
“As we look at the promises of God we find comfort and hope and joy, for they speak to us the words of the Infinite One.” My Life Today, 338.
Just stop and think about that statement for a minute. The promises of God speak to us words from the Infinite One.
Ellen White continues: “Properly to appreciate these precious promises we should study them carefully, examining them in detail. How much joy we might bring into life, how much goodness into the character, if we would but make these promises our own! As we journey in the upward way, let us talk of the blessings strewn along the path. As we think of the mansions Christ is preparing for us, we forget the petty annoyances which we meet day by day. We seem to breathe the atmosphere of the heavenly country to which we are journeying, and we are soothed and comforted. … Let us honor God by weaving more of Jesus and heaven into our lives.
“The unfailing promises of God will keep your heart in perfect peace.” Ibid.
It is a wonderful experience to have perfect peace. Let us consider a few of the promises that God has made that will help us on our daily journey.
A promise that has been very dear to me throughout my life is found in Hebrews 13:5. I have repeated this to myself many, many times and found it to be very comforting. It says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
That is a wonderful promise. To think that the very God of the universe, the One Who created all things and sustains the universe takes care of each one of us, never leaving us alone. He keeps in order and sustains myriad of stars that with the naked eye seem to float in the heavens, knowing each one by name. We can have confidence in our loving heavenly Father Who said He will be with us always. He says, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” There is not a situation in which we may find ourselves, that we cannot claim that promise, because He will never leave us or forsake us.
Jesus also impressed that upon His disciples. He said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20. We know that we have the presence of One Who is all powerful, all knowledgeable and all love. If it were not for the love He has, all of the power and knowledge He has would be of no avail to us. We are so thankful for that great and loving Father Who has promised to be with us, even unto the end.
So, waste no more time; arm yourselves with the word of God. Search the Scriptures, especially the books of Psalms and Isaiah that are loaded with promises, and start claiming them as you go into battle with the devil, having assurance that One has trod the path before you and won the victory.
Ruth Grosboll, matriarch of Steps to Life, lived a long life in the service of her Master. She served as a missionary nurse in Myanmar, formerly Burma. In her later years she held the position of receptionist and correspondent at Steps to Life Ministry, blessing many people with her heartfelt encouraging letters. She is sadly missed to this day.