“In the same way, the sun never grows weary of shining, nor a stream of flowing, it is God’s nature to keep His promises. Therefore, go immediately to the His throne and say, ‘Do as you promised.’ “- Charles Spurgeon
“So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”- Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
In Chapter 6 (“Held by the Promises of God”) of Holding On, Sheila Walsh notes that the writer of Hebrews uses a double negative for emphasis in Hebrews 13:5. As a result, in his Study Bible, Dr. David Jeremiah points out that this verse can be translated this way:
“I will never, by no means, leave you, and I will never, by no means, utterly forsake you.”
Certainly, Sheila observes, pain often raises more questions than it answers. Furthermore, a double betrayal comes into play when you suffer and then people doubt your account. So, the reality hits that fair doesn’t live here. But Jesus does. Hence, Sheila shares this life-changing principle about forgiveness:
“God doesn’t want you to forgive so that you are a good Christian. No. Forgiveness is God’s gift to us so we can live in a world that isn’t fair.”
So, Sheila asks, are you stuck:
- forever?
- until someone says they’re sorry?
- until someone believes you?
No! Because Jesus offers a better way. In a world that fails the fairness test, Jesus offers a place to take that baggage to every one of us.
In conclusion, Sheila reminds us, as we pour out our pain before Jesus, we tell Him everything that’s happened to us. And we know for sure that He welcomes us and listens to us.
But how do we change that distorted image of ourselves we see in the mirror each day? When the actions of others mar our image of who we are in Christ. We must cling to the powerful promises in God’s Word.
Today’s question: Do you hold to God’s promises in the same way the sun never grows weary of shining? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Living by promises – not explanations”
