God’s Promises

GETTING STARTED

I have never heard God’s voice audibly, but I have had many things happen that have helped me understand that God is active in my life. The first was when I put my faith in Jesus. I was just about five-years-old. I knew that everything was going to be okay, because Jesus had forgiven me. Another was on my wedding day. I knew that God was going to bless our lives and would be with us in our marriage. And sure enough, God has provided and continued to bless. These things were not just impressions and convictions, but promises grounded in the very Word of God.

  • What are some promises God has made to you? Are some of them hard to believe? Why?

READ THE WORD: JOSHUA 1:10-15  (ESV)

10 And Joshua commanded the officers of the people, 11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, ‘Prepare your provisions, for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan to go in to take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’”

12 And to the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh Joshua said, 13 “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God is providing you a place of rest and will give you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your livestock shall remain in the land that Moses gave you beyond the Jordan, but all the men of valor among you shall pass over armed before your brothers and shall help them, 15 until the Lord gives rest to your brothers as he has to you, and they also take possession of the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and shall possess it, the land that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.”

English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

DIGGING DEEPER

  1. What was being asked of the people in verse 11? What emotions or reactions can you imagine this command would bring up in the people?
  2.  What promise from the Lord did Joshua remind them of? What are some of the details of that promise?
  3. Why do you think Joshua reminded them of these promises from God, and the details?
  4. What are some promises that God has made to you? How do the promises God has made to you speak to your emotions or reactions about obedience to his commands?

RESPOND TO GOD

One thing is true from this story in Joshua: God keeps his promises. God will not break his promises to his people, despite their lack of faith, their grumbling, and fear. And in his kindness, he speaks to the fears they have about battle, their wives, their children, their nation, and their possessions. God reminds them of his promise and invites them to step out in faith. And this promise-keeping God has given grace and mercy to us. He will forgive us, he will renew us, and he will use us for his purposes. He keeps his promises, just like he kept them with the Israelites. And we must step out in faith in the God who always keeps his promises.

  • Talk to God about the areas where obedience seems scary or difficult. Ask God to remind you of his promises.
  • Ask God for the courage to step out in faith.