Over the past few weeks, I鈥檝e been reading the Old Testament account of the journeys of God鈥檚 children as they made their way from captivity in Egypt, across the years of their trek through the Red Sea, enemy territory and seemingly endless desert. Now, Moses is facing death and he is taking another long stab at reminding the people of God鈥檚 instructions, of their rebellion, his anger at them (and the consequent results to him) and finally, of more reminders of their role in possessing the land God promised them. 鈥淕od promised it to you,鈥� he told them. 鈥淗e has protected you from enemies that were far too strong for you to combat in your strength. Now, go in and possess the land.鈥�
I鈥檝e read that portion countless times during my lifetime, but contemplating yet another day of isolation and mask-wearing, I realized how many times I鈥檝e failed to possess His promise of peace and protection, no matter what may transpire and what I may face. The secret isn鈥檛 in God鈥檚 word, for that never fails; rather, the secret lies in my willingness to possess the promise.
Even beyond physical protection, is God鈥檚 promise to grant peace when we鈥檙e willing to forgive those who have hurt us, or others to forgive us when we鈥檝e hurt them. It鈥檚 not my responsibility to make decisions for others but it sure is mine to make sure I do the right thing. As we grow in our Christian faith, our ability to rest in and claim those promises grows.
鈥淏ut when I am afraid,听I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?听What can mere mortals do to me?鈥� (Psalm 56:3,4)
Let鈥檚 remember: God鈥檚 promises are infallible, possessing them is our responsibility.
听
