Let me let you in on one of my secrets: I hate to make promises. Over the years, I have learned that sometimes I failed to fulfill promises because I either forgot or was blocked by unforeseen circumstances. For some, that’s par for the course for everybody. After all, Murphy Law is always at work, embarrassing and mocking us because our promises have gone the way of “the best-laid plans of Mice and Men.” I pride myself on being reliable and honorable. Therefore, it pains me when I fail to honor a promise. Coming up short on promises has serious implications for relationships. Equally important, feeling that I haven’t honored my word stabs at my sense of self, wounding me deeply and haunting me incessantly.
Therefore, I’ve started to make far fewer promises. The wisdom of sages schools me: “ ‘Underpromise’ and overdeliver.” To that, I have added another effective, acceptable tactic: Instead of promising that I’ll do this or that for you, I now say, “I’ll try to do so and so. However, find a Plan B, just in case if I can’t do it.”
Still, another less tormenting and scarring strategy is that I’ll say to myself, “Just try to do your best!” Then only God and I know what I’m secretly trying to deliver on. Besides, God will forgive me if I don’t deliver. You won’t! In fact, you’ll probably downgrade me on your scorecard of faithfulness, and may even cross my name off your list of people you can call on when you need help.
Isn’t it good to know we can always count on God to come through? Please don’t take my word for it. Listen to Moses testify in Numbers 23:19, MSG:
19 God is not man, one given to lies, and not a son of man changing his mind. Does he speak and not do what he says? Does he promise and not come through?
Perhaps you prefer the Apostle’s entry in 1 Titus 1:2-3, MSG:
…in the hope of eternal life that God, who never lies, promised before the ages began — 3 in due time he revealed his word…
Whatever promise God has made to us, God will keep:
• No weapon formed against you shall prosper. (Isaiah 54:17, NRSV)
• My grace is sufficient; my strength is made perfect in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NRSV)
• My God shall supply all of our needs from his riches in glory. (Philippians 4:19, NRSV)
• I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NRSV)
• Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace — in peace because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3, NRSV) [(Isaiah 26:3, MSG)]*
The Crucifixion and Resurrection are God’s guarantee. No matter what it takes, God will keep God’s promises to us. God is faithful.
So, again, the thought for today is: God gonna’ come through for you!
Peace! — Pastor Trufant, 17 June 2022
*3 People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, Steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. (Isaiah 26:3, MSG)
