When we face a difficult situation, one method to help is to rely on God’s promises. Looking back at how God fulfills His Word can encourage us in our own lives.
God’s faithfulness in keeping His Word is a promise in itself.
Numbers 23:19 NIV “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
God’s plan is for us to rely on Him; He wants to fulfill His promises and give us the best life we can have, regardless of our circumstances.
Here are 5 ways God’s promises build unshakable faith:
- Knowing God is With You
- Learning From Past Examples
- A Step in Spiritual Growth
- Trials not Beyond What You Can Bear
- His Rest Strengthens You
Knowing God is With You
Isaiah 41:10 NIV “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Going alone, especially when I was younger, was not a favorite of mine. I remember how relieved I was when my Mother accompanied me.
That can be how we feel when facing trials alone. As a Christian, we don’t have to. God promised us in the verse above that He is with us, strengthening and upholding us. Living in His presence in our circumstances helps to build our faith in our God as He fulfills His promise to us.
When Hagar, Sarah handmaid, became pregnant with Ishmael, Abraham’s son, she ran away. God came to her in that time and assured her He would help her.
Genesis 16:7-9 NIV “ The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a spring in the desert; it was the spring that is beside the road to Shur. And he said, “Hagar, slave of Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you going?”
“I’m running away from my mistress Sarai,” she answered.
Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.”
The angel then told her about the birth of her baby, Ishmael and what kind of man he would be.
This is her response to God’s presence:
Genesis 16:13 NIV “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her:“You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
The Lord encouraged Hager by revealing His presence through His angel.
Learning From Past Examples
Romans 15:4 NIV “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
The Scripture is full of examples we can learn from. Being from the past, does not discount their importance. It’s a lot easier to learn from someone else’s life.
In Romans 15:4, it tells us that the endurance of the people in the Bible provides us with the encouragement we need to continue carrying out God’s will.
Hebrews 12:1 NIV “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,”
This eleventh chapter of Hebrews is called “The Faith Hall of Fame. This verse brings the witness of the saints in Scripture to the forefront, serving as an example of their faithfulness despite their circumstances.
A Step in Spiritual Growth
James 1:2-4 NIV “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Yes, James, says to count it joy when you are facing trials. Of course, it doesn’t mean you are enjoying trials.
When you trust Jesus to sustain you in trials, His presence gives you joy and helps you get through them. The outcome is another step in your spiritual growth and a stronger faith.
Job 42:1-6 NIV “Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
Job went through a terrible time of suffering. In the passage above, he has grown spiritually and sees God more clearly for who He really is.
That is how it can be for you as you depend on the Lord for His strength. Your faith in Him will grow.
Trials not Beyond What You Can Bear
1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
I know at times it may not seem like it, but you have a promise from God that He will not burden you more than you can endure.
Also, remember that with God’s strength, your burdens are lighter as you grow spiritually in dependence on Jesus Christ.
1 Samuel 1:11,17,20 NIV “And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.”
Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.”
So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the Lord for him.”
Hannah had been barren and wanted a child. Her suffering ended with her request to the Lord. The timing of her trial was in the Lord’s hand. Her faith became stronger in Him.
His Rest Strengthens Your Faith
Matthew 11:28-29 NIV “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
As you depend on God’s promises to help you through trials, you can have rest. This comes from placing your burden on His shoulders.
Think about that heavy grocery bag. How good does it feel when someone removes it from your arms to theirs? Instant relief.
That’s how it is when you depend on the Lord for your strength.
1 Kings 19:3-9 NIV “Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.
All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again.
The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.”
Elijah couldn’t go on he was so tired. The Lord provided food and rest so he could continue on his journey.
God will do the same for you. Your faith will increase as you realize He truly takes care of you.
Conclusion
When you realized God is really there for you, His promises are true, your faith will become unshakable.
The more time we spend in prayer and in God’s promises, the stronger our faith will become. When we become too busy for time with the Lord, our faith can flounder.
The 5 ways God’s Promises Build Unshakable Faith:
- Knowing God is With You – You don’t have to face trials by yourself.
- Learning From Past Examples – You can see God’s promises fulfilled in believers’ lives in the Bible.
- A Step in Spiritual Growth – There is a purpose in your trials that create joy.
- Trials not Beyond What You Can Bear – The Lord helps you carry your burdens.
- His Rest Strengthens You – The Lord gives you rest in your trials.
A prayer for you:
Almighty God,
I come to you with a humble heart, in need of your strength and guidance. I’m tired of carrying this burden by myself and there is no one better than you to carry it for me. Please shower me with your strength, peace and love.
In Jesus’ Name
Amen
If you have any questions, I will be happy to help you. – Jackie
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