God always keeps His promises

April 4, 2020
As we prepare for the start of Holy Week, I have chosen to base the devotion on Matthew 26:57-58. “Then, those who had seized Jesus led Him to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders had gathered. And Peter was following Him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside; he sat with the guards to see the end.”

Peter is sitting with the guards. I wonder what was going on in Peter’s mind at that time. Whatever he was thinking, I doubt hopeful thoughts were included, especially hopeful thoughts concerning Jesus’ life. Despite everything Jesus has said so clearly about His death and resurrection, Jesus might just as well have never said a word about the future. Under the circumstances, you and I might have said that it was the reasonable thing to do, for, as far as he knows, there is no hope for a successful outcome in Jesus’ life or his life.

Perhaps, that is the lesson for us in this personal story of Peter. Because there are times in our own lives when losing hope in God’s promises seems like a reasonable thing to do. Hope looks foolish. So how do we keep up our hope when we are surrounded by trouble on every side? We remember God’s good promises. None of them have ever failed—not “I forgive you,” not “I will be with you and deliver you,” not “I will come again and take you to myself.” None of them have ever failed. Jesus is utterly trustworthy. You know it from your own life. Put your hope in him when things seem darkest. Wait to see what he will do.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, you know how quickly we start to doubt your promises when times are bad. Help us to remember that your promises will never fail. Help us use your strength and goodness to get through this virus that is not only sweeping across America but the world. Help us to trust in your promises so that we are comforted by your presence. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. ​