Some Reflections of Claiming Promises

Posted Jul 25, 2010 by Adrian Ebens in Christian Life Style

Phil 4:19  But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

The Bible is rich with precious promises from our dear Father in heaven, given to us to meet our daily needs. Over several years I have had many occasions to claim them while in difficult circumstances.

I have found during the time of my ministry that many fall short of the blessings they might receive if they would claim the promises in a deliberate and disciplined manner.

The situation is familiar for all of us. We find ourselves in a position where there appears to be no way out without incredible pain. While these situations are stressful, it is at these times that we get to see whether we really believe God's Word.

Everytime we break in frustration, anger, denial or self absorbed tears and self pity, we are given the chance to see that at the core of our being we don't trust God or His promises.

I have several key promises that I turn to for a "Red Sea" crisis situation. Here are some examples:

Isa 26:3  Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

1 Cor 10:13  There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Phil 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

2 Tim 1:7  For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

So how do we take hold of these promises? The Bible says faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Rom 10:17.

On that basis, I read the promise or repeat it in my mind.

I then bring myself to a decision to act on that Word.

I ask myself "Is this promise true or not?"

The answer depends completely in your confidence in the promise giver. When confronted with the question, the will sharpens and has to decide and no longer hide in the shadows. If I struggle, I ask the question again. " Well do you believe it Adrian? Yes or No?"

I may wrestle for quite a time if the situation is severe, but I then fall back on the love of my Father and the gift of His Son, I think about all that He has done for me and I rest most of all in my sonship. Because I am a son of the Father through Jesus, I will to believe that He will not forsake me.

Many times we want to have the answer before we arise from our knees but true faith is resting in the Father's love even when we can't see a solution. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Heb 11:1 - If we have the solution, then faith is no longer required.

I have found this process helpful through many challenges.

1. Hearing the Word - Rom 10:17

2. Bringing myself to a decision as to whether it is true or not

3. Looking to the Father's Love and resting in Sonship

4. Trusting in His watchcare and providence even when the answer it not evident.

I hope these thoughts are helpful as you deal with your "Red Sea" moments.