Good Intentions

A friend of ours has been very ill. When my husband, Don, visited Lonnie in the hospital, he noticed Lonnie had lost a lot of weight. This prompted Don to promise him a steak dinner when released from the hospital.

Lonnie spoke up and said, “Well, I hope you come through this time. You know, you promised me a fish dinner a long time ago.”

When Don told me about the exchange, he said, “When Lonnie said that, I vaguely remembered telling him I would, but I’d forgotten all about it.”

How many times has that happened to you? I know I’ve had great intentions, but then didn’t follow through. Many busy moms are reminded they’ve forgotten a promise when they hear a whining, “But, Mom! You promised!”

I’m so thankful I can count on God to keep His promises. The Apostle Paul told the people of Corinth, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (II Corinthians 1:20 NIV)

God promises to SUPPLY our needs. Philippians 4:19 – “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

God promises us STRENGTH to overcome. I Peter 5:10 – “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

God promises us SERENITY. Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And the most important promise of all: SALVATION. Romans 10:13 – “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

I do need to watch my tongue, only make promises I can keep, and follow through on my intentions.

And Don and I intend to take Lonnie for his steak dinner.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness to Your promises. I praise You for supplying my needs, giving me strength and peace, and most of all, for my salvation. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.