Prods Not Pillows

I have often heard it said, that we should rest on the promises of God. This is not to say that we should recline, relax, and sleep on the promises of God.

The edict to “rest on” essentially means that the promises are foundational. You can stand firm on the promises. You have surety on the promises. Oh! I can recall the blessed mothers and fathers of days gone by, singing, “Standing on the promises of Christ our King... Standing on the promises of God.” The promises are a sure foundation.

Recently, Wanda and I were in a furniture store looking at different beds. We are contemplating moving from a queen-sized to a king-sized bed. In this season of pandemic we feel as though we need a bed where we can socially distance. I am kidding of course. But we were searching for a bed that is comfortable, and would provide a good nights rest. The promises of God are not king-sized mattresses for us to settle down for a long winter’s nap.

The promises of God are Prods not Pillows. Once we have a sure footing on the promises of God, the same will provoke our faith. Now faith is the evidence of things hoped for and the substance of things not (yet) seen. Faith is a verb. It’s an action word. Oh it is a beautiful thing. To be standing on the promises, and then believing as if we have already obtained the promised benefits before they have manifested.

Our work is cut out for us. We must not take our ease but put in the labor that God requires of us. Whether we labor in prayer, praise, worship, supplication, fasting, fellowship, or physical work. Excuse my language, but I did say work. I know that’s a dirty word to some. I’m kidding again, of course.

Finally, the individual promises that God has made to each one of us are inextricably tied to His corporate promise to the entire body. If the promise is to you, and not through you, please check the source. God’s promises will bless you as they bless through you. Yes! Let’s put in the work. We must work while it is still day, because nighttime is coming, and then no one will be able to put in the work. And each of us must bear our own burden.

For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:5-9.

The promises of God are provocative. The promises are prods not pillows.

Special thanks to Dr. Dale Robbins for the beautiful picture.