The Promise is Sure

“therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure …” Romans 4:16

We are called into a life of faith, so that the promises are steadfast and sure. If the promises were dependent upon our performance or works, then they would not be “sure.” We would never know if our performance was good enough or what works were required or necessary. We would be second guessing our efforts and striving to do more. 

Our loving Heavenly Father has made it of faith, so it might be according to grace. Grace means that it rests upon the Lord’s work and what He has done on our behalf. Our performance and worth is no longer in question. We therefore do not look to self - we look to Him. 

Faith is simple enough for a child to grasp. The only ones who have difficulty are the independent and self-assured. They want to do it for themselves. They put their confidence in their ability and effort. Sadly, under that system, the promise is no longer sure.

All of us hold promises given to us by God. A major key to seeing them fulfilled is living under the correct system. Will we rely upon our strength, ability and understanding or will we look to One who is faithful? Faith is simply trusting the One who is faithful. Faith activates grace and the promise becomes sure because we are not the one fulfilling it - God is.

I encourage you to take a promise that God has given you and thank Him that it is of faith that it might be according to grace. This means it is sure. That means that what God has promised can be trusted in, relied upon and expected.