Verse: Hebrews 6:13-17
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, 14 “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” 15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. 16 Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. 17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.
Devotion
I have a stencil on a wall in my house that says, “I can do all things through God who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). Do you ever wonder if verses like these really apply to you? God has made a LOT of promises in the Bible like:
“Be not anxious for anything” Phil 4:6
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jer 29:11
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Heb 13:5
“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.” Prov 3:5-6
The whole list of promises in the Bible would fill many pages.
So, what do you do when life is difficult? We all deal with difficulties such as conflicts with others, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, unmet expectations, a life without purpose. God promises more for us than a life filled with difficulties. He promised Abraham that he would bless him and give him many descendants even though he and his wife were currently old and barren. Abraham didn’t believe. Do we believe what God has promised us?
God wants us to believe in him and to trust his promises for us. In these verses in Hebrews, we see that God makes a promise to Abraham and then swears by himself that the promise is true. In that culture at that time, making an oath on someone greater meant that that person really meant it. There was no way he would not fulfill his promise because keeping your word was paramount in the culture. He wanted Abraham to believe.
Are you currently filled with doubt about God and his promises for you? Are you faced with a difficult problem where is seems like there is no way out? Are you struggling with a sin area? God wants you to know that he sees you, loves you, and wants to be with you to help you today.
I am not sure what God would have to do today that would be similar to making an oath back then to convince us that he really means the promises he has for us. But be assured, just as he did back then, he would do it to try to convince you that he loves you and means the promises he has for you. Take heart today that God’s promises have carried you this far and that he continues to say that he will not leave you and that he has a hope and a future for you. He swears that these promises are true.
Prayer
Thank you that you are always with us and that your promises are true for us always. Help us to believe and to hold on to them as we deal with life’s trials.
Author: Brad Dunn
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