Go outside tonight and if it’s clear, look up at the stars. Pick one, and say to yourself, “That one is me.” That’s what God told Abraham you would be when he was concerned about not having an heir. “Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” (Genesis 15:5).
A promise & a reward. As children, many of us were promised when we went to the store that if we behaved, we would get something. And oftentimes, knowing the reward that awaited us, we would still act up. Our parents would then remind us of the reward we were losing. So what do we do? We ask for a second chance. With that second chance, we get ourselves together and make sure we don’t lose the reward.
Our promise for obedience and righteousness is eternal life with God in heaven. It comes with a lifetime of highs and lows, sin and repentance, and second chances. With all of those variables, one thing always remains constant: God’s word.
Imagine having to wait 400 years for something to come true. Our patience and faith in God is what keeps our promises. When we remember what He has done and what He can do, we can’t imagine anything contrary to His word that it’s impossible. In that patience, comes prayer. As we pray, we remind God of the promises He has over our lives. Whenever you’re thinking contrary to what God has over your life, look up at the stars and remember you were a promise for someone thousands of years ago.
That’s who we are. The world likes to tell us otherwise. How to look, how to dress, how to feel, how to identify. God keeps it simple. We are His and created perfectly in His image, called to serve Him and Him alone. Promises are fulfilled when what was said should be done is done. We must check our spiritual resumes to make sure we are ready for our final application. Our application into heaven. When the time comes, will you want Jesus to say you are qualified or unqualified?
Keep growing your resume. Dive deeper into the word. Dive deeper into prayer. Dive deeper into God. Stop going through the motions, simply to check the boxes. God’s grace is over us all and He wants us to be closer to Him, to understand who we are, and the legacy we hold as God’s children. Isn’t that enough? To know we were created before we ever existed? For “God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” (Romans 4:17).
If you’re reading this, God has called you for a purpose. He has given you this day for His mercy is new everyday. Take advantage. Speak to someone about who He is and who you are. Remind God of the promises over your life. Do things because you love God, not because of the promise. Chase God, not the promise, and in turn, you will find the promise over your life.