Scripture
"And the LORD gave them rest on every side, according to all that He had sworn to their fathers, and no one of all their enemies stood before them; the LORD gave all their enemies into their hand. Not one of the good promises which the LORD had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass." (Josh. 21:44-45)
Observation
Not one of His promises failed. It must have been quite a day in Israel when they realized they had finally made it into the Promised Land and found rest on every side. However, in hindsight, it probably didn't seem that way, especially when they found themselves in the midst of controversies and conflicts, both from within its own ranks, and also pressed from alliances who stood opposed to Israel's presence and progress in the new land. Rewind the tape and the record reveals their struggles in the dessert, their desperate demands for food and water and their face-to-face encounter with a seemingly impassable sea of uncertainty. There were the deathly consequences of sin being discovered in the camp and the unfaithfulness of many of their leaders.
Application
Their pages of history are also covered with blood that was shed in 31 battles against kings whose only desire was to destroy Israel and send them packing that they might forfeit the promises of God. Yet, through it all, God made good on all that He had promised them through their forefathers. Not one of the good promises failed. ALL came to pass.
God always makes good on His promises, doesn't He? His guarantee is good. It may take time for it to come to fruition, it will involve controversy and conflict, there will be seasons of uncertainty, but His promises will never fail. I need to believe that to the core, if I am to experience His promises for my life. Sometimes, like the Israelites, questions will arise and my faith will be tested when problems seem more prevalent than His promises, when "rulers" (i.e., fears, apprehensions, lack of confidence and uncertainties) attempt to control my life and influence my attitude and perceptions. But, just as the Lord was faithful to Israel, and to Joshua, so will His promises come to pass in my life. It may not be an overnight delivery, but I can be assured that His promises for my life, for my family and for my ministry will never fail.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for your lovingkindness that is new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. May my faith in you never be diluted or diminished by the condition of my present circumstances, but be strengthened by the knowledge of the assurances of your promises for my future. I put my trust in you.
