Our God is FAITHFUL—He can be depended on. He will do what He promised. He will perform the commitments of any covenant He has made.

If we truly believe that, it should create a response in our internal system: REST

When we know we’ve put ourselves in a position to access our covenant, it should produce REST

Why?? Because we know God is FAITHFUL to perform His end of every covenant.

NOTE: Have you ever been disappointed because someone didn’t keep their word? Maybe they promised… “I’ll be there… I’ll help… I got you… You can count on me.” We’ve all experienced broken promises. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes accidentally. But enough broken promises can leave us skeptical. If the pattern continues, eventually we begin bracing for disappointment. The tough part is that we sometimes subconsciously project human inconsistency onto God. We know to say outwardly that God is Faithful, but we subtly start bracing for WHAT IF God doesn’t do what He promised. But the Bible repeatedly reminds us… God is unlike anyone you’ve ever known.

Four Things to Know About God

1. He cannot lie

2. He cannot fail

3. He cannot forget

4. He cannot change His mind about His character

2 Thessalonians 3:3 TLB – “But the Lord is faithful; He will make you strong and guard you from satanic attacks of every kind.”

“QUOTE” – God doesn’t merely make promises. He keeps them because keeping His word is part of who He is.

HOLD ON TO THIS: Because God’s character is Faithful, His promises are trustworthy. He may not fulfill them according to our timetable or with our desired details, but He always fulfills them according to His perfect wisdom.

Difference Between God’s Promises and Our Expectations: Sometimes we claim something God never actually promised. The Bible promises His presence, His wisdom, His forgiveness, His strength, His healing, His provision, His ultimate good, and eternal life in Christ. Not every desire or dream we come up with is a biblical promise. That’s why it’s important to “study to show yourself approved… a workman who can rightly divide the word of truth.”

What Do We Know About God’s Promises

GOD’S PROMISES ARE ROOTED IN HIS CHARACTER

Numbers 23:19 NIV – “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”

IRONY: This word is spoken by Balaam, who was hired by Balak to curse Israel.

EXPLAIN: God doesn’t help promises because He’s trying to maintain a reputation.

He keeps promises because faithfulness is His name

Malachi 3:6 NIV – “I the Lord do not change.”

James 1:17 NIV – “…the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

EXPLANATION: God is the Father of the heavenly lights (sun, moon, stars, planets). They shift positions all day, causing our shadow to adjust all around us. BUT GOD DOES NOT CHANGE!!

(EX. I’ve seen seasons where it felt like God changed. He was dealing with me like an adult.)

NOTE: God’s promises are only as dependable as God’s character… and His character has never failed.

Waiting Is Not Wasted

One of the greatest frustrations in the Christian life… is waiting.

Abraham: “I’ll make you a great nation.” Reality… took 25 years!

Joseph: “I’ll exalt you to leadership that your family will have to acknowledge.” Reality… after a pit, after slavery, after being falsely accused, after a stint in prison… 13 years later came the palace.