GOD's Personal Promise

Several years ago, God called me to be a discussion leader of a bible study group and he gave me this promise from Romans 4:20-21 as his assurance to me of his calling...

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised."

And God in his marvelous grace and tender love, reminded me of this promise (that he would empower me to do his work) during my many moments of wanting to throw in the towel.

In recent months, I began to entertain such thoughts of quitting as a discussion leader as I had feelings of guilt that I had been neglecting my family, particularly my 2 sons, in nurturing them and in their education. Additionally, there was a potential change in my work responsibilities as well as home schedule that would render me with even less time, if any. Already I was having difficulty focusing my mind on proper bible study with so much going on. So, it just seemed logical to step down and focus on my family, work and the changes that ensued.

However, a couple of weeks ago, during one of my weekly Bible Study sessions, this truth came to me, that GOD's promises are irrevocable, ie. GOD does not change his mind regarding his promises or his word because he is unchangeable and thus trustworthy. Also, when GOD gave me his promise in Romans 4:20-21 some 3 years ago, he knew ahead the circumstances and feelings I would have had these past weeks. This means that, his promises (his character and power) are not bound by time nor changing life circumstances.

Now this truth should have been comforting and sufficient for me to continue but nope, insecure, faithless and greedy ole' me had to check with GOD and ask him for further comfort, assurance and confirmation of his calling. So I prayed and I had also asked my leader to pray for me too.

Y'know, GOD is just so gracious and his tender love is absolutely marvelous. The very next day, as I was going through a passage in Isaiah 40, my eyes wandered over to Isaiah 41 (which I later found out was GOD's word of comfort & restoration to the Israelites and anyone who's world is in ruin and desolate). This is what GOD had to say to me :

I (GOD) said, "You are my servant; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your GOD. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Do not be afraid, O worm Jacob, O little Israel, for I myself will help you," declares the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel......(Isaiah 41 : 9b - 10, 14)

Imagine my euphoria...and this was what I learnt about GOD :

1. GOD answers prayers - in his time and in his own special, personal way


2. GOD is gracious - he could have kept silent since he had already given me his promise in Romans and as he is the unchanging and trustworthy GOD, that promise should have been sufficient for me but he double his portion of blessing and assurance for me


3. GOD is a personal God - the 1st promise was somewhat "general", ie. by Abraham's example, I can, like Abraham, trust in GOD to provide and empower me to obey (and serve). This was to me a personal message from GOD coz he spoke in the "I"..."I myself will help you"...Wow!!!


4. GOD convicts - I had thought that in my busyness and activity-laden life, I would not be able to focus and hear GOD. How wrong I was coz when GOD speaks and he intends for you to get his message, you would definitely get it!

Well, needless to say, looks like my "service contract" will not be expiring anytime soon... ;-)