Years ago when I worked in the commercial industry, our logistic department decided to have a marketing slogan which said ‘A promise is not a promise until delivered’. I believe that statement to be more than a slogan but a true, God-given principle. The world is so disillusioned about promises because people, from politicians to family members, with the best intentions possible, are making promises that often (and sadly) go undelivered.

The definition of the word PROMISE is ‘a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified.’ Therefore, when one makes a promise or receives a promise, it is reasonable to expect it to be delivered. Disappointment often happens when promises are made from a trusted source but never delivered. So never forget that failing to deliver on your promise is the fastest way to lose trust.

Developing trust is a process, and it can be a very long process. However, losing trust can happen in a split second. One lie, one broken promise is all it takes for someone to lose faith in you. Why? Because trust is the foundation of all relationships. But there is one source that you can believe and trust in: God’s Word. Joshua 21:45 stresses that God never fails, and neither does His Word, for the Lord is ever-faithful and His promises are sure.

God’s promises are yes and amen

The almighty God, the creator of the whole universe, has already fulfilled His promises, and they will be manifested at the appointed time as we put our faith in Him. He will never be too late nor will He be too early.

God’s Word is full of promises

God has given us a Divine Manual called the Bible, which could also be called the Book of Many Promises. In fact, God declares Himself in 2 Cor. 1:20 that ‘all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.’ Which suggests that Jesus Christ is the ‘yes’ and ‘amen’ – the guarantee and confirmation – of all God’s promises. When Christians respond with an amen to the assurance of God’s promises, it is our way of affirming that we trust His faithfulness.

The Bible is full of promises, and many of them have already been fulfilled. Everett R. Storms came up with a grand total of 8,810 promises in the Bible. 7,487 of them were promises made by God to humankind. So get hold of God’s promises for you!

God expects man to keep his promise

Numbers 30:2 tells us ‘If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.’ Although found in the Old Testament, this is definitely applicable to us today. The Israelites were essentially commanded to keep any vows they made, and so are we today.

Matthew 5:37 also tells us ‘Let what you say be simply “Yes” or “No”; anything more than this comes from evil.’ This verse is often quoted in regards to keeping your word, and rightfully so! For our speech should never be clouded in ambiguity or deceit.

God gives promises but expects us to go through the process 

Did you know that even visionaries have to go through the process, so don’t despise the process. God gives promises but expects us to go through the process before it is fulfilled. His Word is full of examples of great Bible characters that went through the process before enjoying the promise. Let’s look at a couple of them:

Abraham – God made it clear that this promise of blessing to all nations would not come through Abraham himself or through his descendants but through one child called ‘the seed’, who would be born into Abraham’s line (Galatians 3:16). Not only did Abraham wait 25 years to see God fulfil His promise to give him a son (see Genesis 12:1-9, and 21:1-5) but he also demonstrated great patience and trust in God at other times of his life as well.

King David – He waited a long time to see God’s promise fulfilled in his life and become King David! In fact it was about 15 years from the time David was anointed by Samuel (in 1 Samuel 16) until David officially became King (in 2 Samuel 5). God wanted to take David through a process, and the anointing was a reminder of the promise that the process would bring.

God’s process is to get you ready for the fulfilment of His promise

Therefore today, trust God for the present and future! Even if it seems like nothing is happening, that progress is delayed (remember delay is not denial), or that you’re just stuck, have faith that His promises are yes and amen and that He’s got a plan and is already working on it. You might not see it yet, but you will. Even when things seem chaotic, God is still in control. God wants what’s best for us, even when it’s hard. Understanding how God works is not our job – trusting Him is. Peace and joy don’t come from our circumstances but from God.

Remember, a promise is a powerful thing. for it does not usually meet an immediate need, but it inspires us to persevere in the process, knowing something good will eventually come. A promise has the power to transform the present, even if it doesn’t come into existence until the future.

Let me conclude with some promises you can claim everyday:

God can be trusted: Hebrews 10:23 says ‘Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.’

God’s promises never fail: Joshua 21:45 says ‘Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; everyone was fulfilled.’

God is always with us: Joshua 1:9 says ‘This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’

God is faithful: Hebrews 10:23 says ‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.’

God designed us for a purpose: Ephesians 2:10 says ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.’

God has a plan for our life: Jeremiah 29:11 says ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’

YES GOD’S PROMISES ARE YES AND AMEN!