shall come to pass; it shall be no more prolonged: for in your days, O
rebellious house, will I say the word, and will perform it, saith the
Lord GOD.
We're good at saying I promise and sometimes that's about it–we say it. God has never said I promise in the sense we think of it. In our definition of the word we have His promises; however, the Lord says I WILL PERFORM. When He says it–it comes to pass. When I consider how many more promises I have made than I have kept, it's a shame. Things get in the way. Or I didn't have time. It just didn't work out. You see, a promise is made of words. I may not be able to performs as I said I would, but not so with God. Words are different with God. As soon as God speaks it is as good as done!
The children of Israel had been in captivity so long that they were discouraged. They thought God had prolonged their release. In verse 22 God asks what is that proverb that ye have in the land of Israel, saying, the days are prolonged, and every vision faileth. The Lord was asking what is this tale going around that I have backed out on my pledge? They saw the vision (or the promise in our words) failing. They thought since God wasn't doing things in their time frame that it was all over.
Bottom line— God doesn't make promises. That's it. He does something better. He gives His word. He doesn't say unless something gets in my way or unless I change my mind. Nothing will ever get in God's way. He doesn't sink to our level with I promise. God speaks it. Settled. That's it! He is right on time and that is not necessarily when we want it. He does what is best. So don't give up.
When I can't come through, God always can. He has never said to any generation something that has gone undone. He says my word shall not return void. He spoke to Adam and Eve, to Abraham, to Noah, to Moses, to Joshua, to Nehemiah, to David, to Solomon, to Jeremiah, to Ezekiel, to Daniel and gave His word. The angel spoke to Mary of things to be performed in her and it was more than a promise, a word. It was not something that might come to pass. It would come. Oh that we could say with her behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.
The people in Ezekiel's time began to doubt–they said the Lord had prolonged His word. God said for them not to worry. Remember God has given His word on every aspect of life and will perform it. Don't count on I promise. I promise. I promise. The Lord says I WILL PERFORM. In whatever chapter of life we find ourselves we have His word. If it's sin, we have an advocate. If we need cleansing He is faithful and just to forgive us. If we are troubled or afflicted, we have HIS WORD. It's better than a promise. He says he will help us, heal us, succor us. In temptation He provides a way of escape. If we don't see a way yet…hold on; it's coming!
God didn't open the Red Sea until He needed to. He didn't come to the disciples at the first few raindrops of that storm. The boat was just about full of water. Was He too late? NO! He was right on time! We look at God with the wrong perspective. He is God over every situation, over the world. God has spoken. What more do we need? I can only do a little but God can do everything in every way. Don't downsize God. It's a shame that we don't treat Him like God. HE IS GOD. If real promises do exist, they do with God.
We should apologize to God when we say He prolongs. Instant coffee is only good when percolated coffee isn't around. God is better than that. He says wait and He will renew us like eagles. We will run and not grow weary. Wait on God. Take Him at His word. Therein lies peace. When God speaks, He has done something for it is done. Satan already has a booking in the lake of fire. Our victory is already set. God doesn't struggle with how to perform it. It's done. Just wait.
II Corinthians 1:20 says for all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen. In Him–they exist. All–all of them. Are–now and not will be. Good as done. All are yea–they are certain. AMEN! Don't question. Don't second guess. It's forever settled; it is done. AMEN!
I put my trust in Him. I confess Him in me. That's all that's left. I want to be like Paul in Acts 27:25. Paul and his shipmates were in a bad storm and thought they would surely die. That is, all but Paul. God had spoken to him and told him not to fear. During the fear of the shipmates, Paul said wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
I want to come to that point. In the midst of wherever we are right now, let's smile and say I believe God even as it was told to me! I have HIS WORD!
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 