Saturday, March 22, 2014

Keep your promises.


What a long Winter it has been, don't you think?

Though this is true I've found in amazing that for the most part my attitude toward is has been positive. I'm extremely thankful that God showed me a new Winter sport that I didn't know I loved! It's been so peaceful to Nordic ski nearly everyday and see the beauty God has created even during the Winter season.
In the past I hated Winter! I just wanted to hibernate for the whole dreaded season. However, while this Winter has been cold, snowy, and long, I've actually enjoyed it a lot.
I will admit though, I look forward to the warm sun and the smell of fresh cut grass.

Anyway,

God has been showing me many things lately and one big thing in particular is how important it is that if you've made a promise to Him you must keep it.

The Bible says it is better not to make a promise to Him if you don't think you can keep it than to make one and go back on it. 

Deuteronomy 23:21-23 -

If you make a vow to the Lord your God, do not be slow to pay it, for the Lord your God will certainly demand it of you and you will be guilty of sin. But if you refrain from making a vow, you will not be guilty. Whatever your lips utter you must be sure to do, because you made your vow freely to the Lord your God with your own mouth.

Five months ago today, I made a promise (vow) to God that I am His and only His for an entire year. This is a pretty big deal for someone who always found it hard to be single.

I know God has a lot of work to do in me to prepare me for marriage, if marriage is His will for me.
Sometimes it can be difficult to wait for His work to be done in me.
I find myself wanting to know exactly what He needs to do in my heart to prepare me. What hidden things need to be healed or what hidden sins do I need to repent of? In my mind, if I know these things I can just "fix" it and then I'll be ready.
That's not how God works.

There are things that ONLY He can fix and I know that. I look forward to the work He will do as I can see what work He has already done in my heart.

Yesterday morning, after a lot of prayer the night before, God reminded me of how important it is to keep the promise I made to Him. I had started wondering if that promise was really something He wanted for me or not. Then the very next morning during my time with Him, He showed me the answer.

Ecclesiastes 5:4-7- 

When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God.

What I realized when He showed me this, was that whether the year of singleness was something He lead me to do or if it was just a hasty decision on my part, it doesn't matter. He is still holding me to that promise. It's extremely important that I keep that vow to Him.

And that's alright with me. I know there is a lot in my heart that needs healing so as I said before, I look forward to the work He is doing in me.

So if you have ever made a promise to God, small or big, be sure to fulfill it. Not because I'm telling you to but because God tells you to!

We need to remember that He is Almighty God and while yes, He is our Friend, He is also our Sovereign King and deserves the utmost respect and reverence.

Hebrews 12:27-29 -
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,  for our “God is a consuming fire.”

So, I realized how important it is to keep this vow of singleness to my King and I intend to do so. Again, I encourage you to keep your promises and remember to have reverence for Him, our Holy God.





"Invited by redeeming Love, before the Throne of God Above....Oh praise the One Who fights for me and shields my soul eternally....I'm face to Face with Love Himself, His Perfect, Spotless, Righteousness."

Brit

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