How good are you at keeping promises? I’ve made tons of them. Some are easily verified; my husband can tell you if I got ready on time like I said. But he can’t tell you if I’ve kept my vow to be true to him in sickness and in health because we haven’t personally experienced serious illness. Some promises just unfold over time.
Scripture is full of God’s promises. He promised a Savior and a home for those who call on his name. He promised a future full of hope. However, people have often had to wait for his promises to be fulfilled.
The best part is that based on his track record, we know that he’s not one to break a promise. He told Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5) and Mary that she would conceive and bear a son (Luke 1:31). With no baby bump and maybe some nausea, I can only imagine what was going through Mary’s mind the first few days of her pregnancy. I also can’t blame an incredulous 90-year-old Sarah for laughing at God’s plans! Neither Mary nor Sarah could just run to the walk-in clinic and corroborate God’s promise with a blood test; instead, Mary took his word for it and proclaimed:
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. … He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-47, 54-55).
Maybe you’ve had to wait several months for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Perhaps you’ve been waiting for 9 years. Either way, the great news is that God delivers on his promises!
May you find rest in the hope of God’s Word today.
Consider This: What is the attitude of your heart when God asks you to wait? Read Luke 1:46-55 and choose a verse that jumps out at you. Write it down.
As you celebrate Jesus' birth, would you spend some time echoing the words of Mary and praising him knowing that he is the best promise keeper there is?