Promises

After being down 3-1 in the NBA Finals, the Cleveland Cavs won three straight, including Game 7 last night, to become the Champs. Today’s headlines read: “LeBron James Fulfills Promise to Bring a Title to Cleveland” and ”Cleveland Rocks: Cavaliers Deliver on LeBron's Promise.” LeBron returning home and bringing a championship to a city and state who desperately wanted one is an incredible sports story. Despite all the pressure and expectations, LeBron came through and did what he set out to do. In sports, athletes, coaches, and owners make many bold proclamations to the fans, and every once in a while they deliver on them. Making promises is very difficult in sports, as there are so many unpredictable factors at play, but it’s always fun seeing them come to fruition…like we did last night! Although vows in sports just occasionally prevail, the Bible is packed with incredible and plentiful promises that we can always rely on, according to God’s will. We can read countless promises from the Old Testament that came true in the New Testament. We can hold on to promises from God's Word for eternal life, comfort during trials, new life through salvation, and provision for our needs. According to Numbers 23:19 (NLT), we can have a deep trust that God will deliver on His promises: “God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change his mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through?” Today, let’s be challenged to discover all the promises God has given to us while claiming them wholeheartedly and thanking Him for His faithfulness to complete them. Let’s also remember the role that Jesus plays in the fulfillment of God’s plan in 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): “For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him. That is why it is through Him that we utter our Amen to God for His glory.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for the many promises You give us in Your word. Help me to cling to them and trust You to complete them. When I’m struggling, help me to remember Your faithfulness and the countless promises You’ve already delivered on. Thank you for Jesus, and it’s in His name I pray, Amen.