“He has given us great and precious promises.” -2 Peter 1:4 (NLT)
Have you ever gone through a season of life when you were stuck in despair and wondered what your future would be like if you continued in this condition? I was in that situation many times and even thought it would be better if I just died. I had no hope until I began to pray, and God reminded me of Joseph in the Old Testament, who was also in a seemingly hopeless situation. He was a slave in Egypt, but God miraculously promoted him to a much higher position as the second in command over all of Egypt (Genesis 39, 41-45).
Suddenly, I realized I had a key to unlock my hopelessness. It was a “key of promise.” At that moment, it was as if a lightbulb had turned on in my head. I thought, “How foolish I have been. I shouldn’t sit here full of self-pity and depression. God promised to give me a great future” (Jeremiah 29:11). That revelation changed my life. I started searching for His promises throughout the Bible and proclaimed them over my future every day and night.
God’s promises are priceless. They are more precious than gold. They are like pearls, which you must go after until you obtain them. They are miracle keys that grant you freedom from sin and circumstances (2 Peter 1:4). They are like a royal order from the king in the days of old. His promises carry power, and they release the possibilities in any kind of situation.
When I was growing up, we lived in poverty; we didn’t have electricity, clean water, or a toilet. However, I dreamed of going to college. When I turned 18, my dad handed me $2 and said that was all he had. I was frozen for a moment, but I told my dad, “It is ok; you don’t have much money; Big Daddy has a lot. I am leaving this village no matter what.” I packed my backpack and left my village with $2 in my pocket, barely enough to buy a bus ticket to the big city. I could not even buy food during the two-day journey. However, God opened every door, provided in every circumstance, and even sent me to study abroad. Hallelujah!
I am not sure what you are going through, but I have great news: God doesn’t give us just a few promises; there are over 7,000 in the Bible. Incredible, isn’t it? Do you need answers? Solutions? Healing? A job? Or wisdom? It doesn’t matter; God has it for you. All you need to do is go to His Word and find out what He promises, then claim it through the power of your voice.
The key to receiving God’s promises is patience and trust in God’s timing (Hebrews 6:12). Don’t give up. Keep asking and knocking until you get it (Matthew 7:7). God has issued His royal decree, and it will surely come to pass (Isaiah 55:11). Don’t let discouragement or doubt enter your heart. Protect what belongs to you until you get it. Remember that the season of struggle and despair in your life has come not to destroy you but to lift you into your highest calling. If you continue to stand upon the promises of God and refuse to let yourself become a victim of your circumstances, you will see the best God has prepared for you.
Ahn Powers