“Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.” – Joshua 21:45

This verse amazes me. In fact, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind since I read it last week!

Part of my daily time in God’s Word right now is being guided by a suggested reading schedule I was given at church. Because the readings all week lead up to the preacher’s sermon, it’s been another great way for me to go to church on Sunday with a prepared heart – ready to learn and to apply the message.

The recent readings have been from Joshua and Judges, and I have been struck anew with the whining and grumbling of God’s people. These people had GAZILLIONS of amazing things happen right in front of their very eyes. I mean, seriously – TWO times God parted massive amounts of water and held it in place while they walked across on dry land! Weaponless, they conquered a city secured by a seemingly-insurmountable wall – and from a human point of view they did it with nothing but their voices and some trumpets! Over and over and over again their needs (and wants) were met! Their response? They gave Him short-lived gratitude and worship followed by a long-term pattern of selfishness and complaining.

You are probably a much better person than I am because I confess that if someone responded to my kindness and love in the way that God’s people responded to His kindness (unfailing mercy) and love…well, it would not be pretty. They can really upset me . . . until I realize that I am just like them.

Over and over and over again my needs (and often wants) are met. I have the completed Word of God from which to read and learn. I have health. I have salvation from what I deserve. I have life. And yet, I complain. And in so doing, I literally question His promises and His love.

BUT, His unfailing love and mercy never fail! He didn’t just tell me that they wouldn’t – He PROMISED that they wouldn’t!  He keeps His promises – in His time, in His way, and for His glory!

Because of His great mercy, grace, and unfailing love, and because the God of Joshua is MY God, too, I can take an Old Testament truth about God and apply it in a personal way to my life today:

“Not a single one of all the good promises the LORD had given to Brenda was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true!” 

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Thank you for taking time to read “He Promised!” Please feel free to leave a comment or question.