How to Claim God’s Promises

One of the most significant gifts bestowed upon   those who place their faith in Christ is the promise of God. The Scriptures abound with remarkable assurances regarding God's intentions, plans, and blessings for us. If we delve into them, we will discover the vastness and incredible nature of these promises. A notable aspect of God's promises is their unwavering reliability, in stark contrast to human promises that can be broken.

To fully appreciate God's exceptional favor and grace upon us, we must grasp how to claim His promises. For Christians, the study of God's promises is of paramount importance, primarily because it imparts hope and assurance amid life's uncertainties. These promises offer solace and strength in the face of adversity and serve as guiding principles in our Christian journey.

One of the most profound promises in Scripture is the assurance of salvation for those who place their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. No other blessing can surpass the gift of eternal life bestowed upon believers.

John 3:16 (NASB95)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

Beyond the extraordinary gift of salvation, the Bible is filled with promises worth noting. These encompass the promise of guidance for those who trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6), peace for those who pray and present their requests to God with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:5-7), and strength for those who place their hope in His name (Isaiah 40:31). Indeed, upon exploring the Scriptures, we uncover a treasure of promises awaiting discovery.

Thus, we Christians need to invest time in understanding God's promises and their implications in our lives. Yet, the question persists: "How can we claim God's promises?" The answer to this question lies in our faith in God and His Word.

The Significance of Faith in Claiming God’s Promises

To claim God's promises, we must place our unwavering faith in Him and His spoken word. Many of God's promises are unseen, which may lead some to doubt. However, faith embodies unwavering trust and confidence in God and His Word. When we declare our faith in God's promises, it signifies trust in His character—acknowledging Him as an all-powerful and loving God capable of fulfilling what He says.

Hebrews 11:6 (NASB95)

"And without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."

Without faith, we risk overlooking the exceptional blessings embedded within God's promises. He desires us to believe in Him, believing that He can fulfill what He has promised. This pleases God and serves as the key to claiming His promises.

God never fails to reward those whose faith rests in Him, as evidenced by His dealings with various biblical characters. One such example is Abraham (Genesis 15:5-6), to whom God promised numerous descendants despite his and his wife Sarah's old age. Abraham's faith shone through when he believed that God could fulfill His promise, leading to the birth of Isaac. Another compelling story is that of the woman suffering from bleeding (Mark 5:25-34). Despite doctors and medications failing to heal her, her unwavering faith in touching Jesus' garment led to her healing. Jesus attributed her recovery to her faith.

The role of faith is similarly evident in the accounts of the Centurion (Matthew 8:5-13) and the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15:21-28), both of whom sought healing for their loved ones. In both instances, Jesus granted their requests and commended them for their faith in Him.

These stories underscore that faith forms the foundation of claiming God's promises. By trusting the Lord and His Word, we please Him and demonstrate our belief in His name and His ability to work in our lives.

Demonstrating Faith in Claiming God’s Promises

Our faith in God's promises can manifest in various ways, starting with seeking His will through prayer and reflection. There are times when we struggle to trust His Word, especially when circumstances appear unfavorable. These moments are marked by doubts regarding what God can do, prompting us to seek our way.

Overcoming doubts is essential on our journey to claiming God's promises. We must trust in His sovereign will and believe that He can fulfill what He has declared. In trying times, we should not rely on our understanding but on His power and wisdom, even when His actions remain unseen. We must continually pray for His will to prevail over ours.

In our faith, we entrust ourselves to God's will and His perfect timing. Patience is crucial, as many promises are destined for the future and are bound by His perfect timetable. We must acknowledge that God's timing diverges from ours, but the great reassurance lies in the fact that God is never late, for He possesses all-encompassing knowledge.

While awaiting the fulfillment of promises, we can utilize the time to immerse ourselves in Scripture. We can record, memorize, meditate on, and declare these promises. By firmly anchoring ourselves in God's Word, we can marvel at what He can accomplish in our lives. The Holy Spirit can serve as our guide, unveiling the depth and beauty of God's promises.

Furthermore, we should engage in unceasing prayer, beseeching God to reveal the beauty of His promises and enlighten us on our role in their fulfillment. God's guidance is essential for us to fully comprehend the magnificence of His plans and promises. With the Holy Spirit's assistance, we can gain deeper insights into God's character and attributes and how they significantly contribute to the realization of His promises.

Trust in the Name of Christ Jesus

When we place our faith in God and firmly believe that He has the power to fulfill His promises, it nurtures within us a profound sense of gratitude. This gratitude isn't just a fleeting feeling; it's a deep, abiding appreciation that takes root in our hearts. We come to understand that, regardless of the circumstances that may surround us, God's Word remains unshakeable and resolute. Even when we haven't yet witnessed the tangible outcomes of our prayers or fully comprehended the depths of God's promises, our hearts overflow with thankfulness. 

We recognize that God's promises are not empty words but declarations of His unwavering commitment. Our trust isn't merely in a vague hope; it is anchored in the name of Christ, in whom we find the ultimate assurance that God will indeed answer our prayers.

2 Corinthians 1:20 (NASB95) 

"For as many as are the promises of God, in Him, they are yes; therefore, also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us."

Instead of allowing doubt to take root, let us diligently nurture a heart filled with thanksgiving. Our gratitude should extend not only to the prayers that have been visibly answered but also to those promises and prayers that have yet to fully manifest in our lives. This gratitude arises from an unshakable conviction that God possesses the capability and unwavering commitment to fulfill every promise He has made to us.

Knowing Jesus and the Promises of God in Him

As we embark on a deeper exploration of God's promises unveiled in the pages of Scripture, our earnest prayer is that we not only gain intellectual knowledge but also cultivate a more profound, intimate connection with Jesus Christ. We aspire to open our hearts wide to the awe-inspiring wonder of His name, seeking a relationship that goes beyond surface understanding.

In this journey of deepening acquaintance with Christ, may we discover the richness of His character and the boundless depth of His love. As our understanding of Christ deepens, may we increasingly grasp the profound significance of every promise He embodies. These promises are not mere words; they are the very essence of His covenant with us, a testament to His unchanging faithfulness throughout eternity.