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Friday October 4 - God’s amazing promise
And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
Hebrews 6:15
One such person’s story that can help us keep going when life is tough, is that of the patriarch Abraham. He often got things wrong and let God down. God didn’t let go of Abraham. Sometimes his life was in danger, but God protected him. God had given Abraham an amazing promise (Genesis 12:2-3) that through him and his family God would bless the whole world!
For Abraham to be able to glimpse even the beginning of the fulfilment of this promise took years. It didn’t happen the day God gave him the promise. And it didn’t happen when Abraham tried to force God’s hand. It took a long time.
We read, ‘so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.’ This does not mean that Abraham never had doubts or took wrong turns in his life, but he never let go of the promise. Then one day a son was born to him. That was the first step in receiving the promise – but only the first step! There would be many more blind corners and unexpected challenges. Even when Abraham died the fullness of this promise was way out of his sight and reach.
God has given us also great and precious promises. He has promised that if we believe and trust in him we will not only be forgiven but that sin will no longer have power over us. Sometimes it’s hard to believe this – but never let go of God’s promises!
Enduring God, thank you that you kept journeying with Abraham and you kept your promises to him. Amen.
Saturday October 5 - Will your anchor hold fast?
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19
The test of an anchor is not how elegant it looks stowed away on the deck of the ship, but how well it functions on a stormy night to stop the ship drifting towards the rocks where it would be battered until it sank! For an anchor to function it must grip something solid!
Our anchor is not gripping something under the sea, but in the inner sanctuary of heaven. It is held firm through time and eternity by Jesus himself. This means we can have absolute confidence that Jesus will keep us safe – whatever tests, temptations, challenges and difficulties may come our way. He will never let go of us or decide we are too much of a risk for him to cope with!
For some people their anchor is their fitness, or their wealth, or their position, or even their family – whom they hope will look after them as they get older. These can all be helpful assets, but are they the best anchor? They look like very elegant, useful anchors – until life becomes really tough.
Jesus has withstood every temptation and if we’re anchored to him he will enable us. Jesus understands all our vulnerabilities yet continues to love us. Jesus invites us to approach his throne of grace, to find the mercy and grace we need. Where is your anchor today?
Eternal God, whether today is peaceful or turbulent I am choosing to put my trust in you. Thank you that you’ll never let me go. Amen.
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PRAYER FOR TODAY
PRAYER FOR TODAY