A promise can be defined as a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, or etc. When you and I were children, our parents would often promise to give us a treat if we were on our best behavior. When you get a new job there are certain promises you make to your employer. Even in God’s kingdom, He has made certain promises to His children. The difference when man makes a promise and when God says a thing is night and day. Man’s intentions are good, but they often come up short. Whereas God’s promises are true and will always come to pass. So, our plea is “Lord, Do What You Have Promised”.

     I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is no 5-step formula to get God to move or do anything that is not in His will. The Bible is clear that God is in control of all things. For us to have confidence in God that He will do what He has promised, it requires for us to have or implement 4 things in our lives:

1. Trust
2. Faith
3. Surrender
4. Patience

     “Lord, Do What You Have Promised” because I desire to trust you. One of my favorite trust scriptures is in Proverbs 3:5-6. It reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” If we want to see God’s promise of trust, you and I must do our part and lean not on our own understanding. God knows our hearts. He knows if we are trying to manipulate Him or situations to get what we want. But, if you truly love the Lord, you can be assured that His promise of trust is near.

     “Lord, Do What You Have Promised” because your child needs faith. Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith”. This chapter describes great men and women who had the faith that God would do what He had promised. Verse 13 in chapter 11 gives us insight on how we should view faith. It says, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Regardless, if we see or experience the promises of God before we die, God will always be true to His Word.

     “Lord, Do What You Have Promised” because we need to learn to surrender this situation. You and I know all too well that this life is hard! We have encountered some devasting situations that will leave us worn out, discouraged, and without hope. But Romans 12:2 encourages us to surrender to God’s will. It says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

     “Lord, Do What You Have Promised” because I am in need of patience.  If you are anything like me, I want to see God’s promises NOW! God has to constantly remind me, “Monica, I got this!” Then, the Lord will lovely lead me to James 1:2-4. It says, “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.”

     Because we serve a God that can not lie, we can have confidence that He will do what He has promised.

“Lord, Do What You Have Promised” Prayer: Most merciful God, I believe that it is impossible for you to lie! Whatever you have spoken in your word must come to pass. Jesus, I thank you that all power on earth and in heaven belong to you. Lord, you know me. I need you to help me trust you when I can’t trace you. Build me up where I have been torn down. Strengthen me to believe You over what I see, how I feel, or what I hear! My eyes are on you. I love you, Jesus. In Your Name I pray. Amen!