This week, Pastor Chris gave a message about waiting on the promises of God. Throughout the Scriptures, the Lord gives us many promises—and He is always faithful to fulfill them. However, there are often seasons of waiting, which God uses to grow our faith, build our character, and deepen our trust in Him. As we wait on the Lord, we are encouraged to embrace the process with patience and active faith, knowing He will finish what He started. Ultimately, God’s promises anchor our souls with enduring hope and give us strength to persevere through every season.
God Promised…
- If we search for Him we will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29).
- Protection for His children (Psalm 121).
- His love will never fail (1 Chronicles 16:34).
- His love will never fail (1 Chronicles 16:34).
- Blessing for all who will delight themselves in His Word (Psalm 1:1–3).
- Salvation to all who believe in His Son (Romans 1:16–17).
- All things will work out for good for His children (Romans 8:28).
- Comfort in our trials (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
- To finish the work He started in us (Philippians 1:6).
- Peace when we pray (Philippians 4:6–7).
- Rest (Matthew 11:28–30).
- Abundant life to those who follow Him (John 10:10).
- Eternal life to those who trust Him (John 4:14).
God’s Promises Give…
- Faith in His Character.
Hebrews 6:13–14 (ESV)
13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.”
2. Conditional Promises
2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV)
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”
Matthew 6:14–15 (ESV)
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
3. Unconditional Promises
Genesis 12:2-3 (ESV)
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Genesis 22:15–17 (ESV)
15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies,
Hebrews 6:14–15 (ESV)
14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.
Waiting Patiently?
Patiently waiting means long-suffering.
Isaiah 40:31 (MSG)
31 But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind.
Isaiah 40:31 (AMP)
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him]
Will gain new strength and renew their power;
They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun];
They will run and not become weary,
They will walk and not grow tired.
Embrace Your Waiting Period With…
- Trust and Faith
- Patience and Perseverance
- Understanding God’s Timing and Sovereignty
- Spiritual Growth and Renewal
- Active Waiting
- Preparation and Transformation
God’s Promises Give…
- Faith in His Character.
- Strength to Hold Fast to Hope.
Hebrews 6:16–18 (ESV)
16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
God’s Promises Give…
- Faith in His Character.
- Strength to Hold Fast to Hope.
- Securing Hope to Continue.
Hebrews 6:19–20 (ESV)
19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 42:11 (NLT) – Why am I discouraged?… I will put my hope in God!
The Power of Unshakable Hope
- Hope anchors the soul in storms (Hebrews 6:19).
- Hope fuels endurance (Isaiah 40:31).
- Hope purifies and refines (1 John 3:3).
- Hope revives perspective in grief (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
- Hope causes joy to overflow (Romans 15:13).
- Hope keeps the heart alive (Proverbs 13:12).
- Hope gives faith its target (Hebrews 11:1).
- Hope fuels vision for the future (Jeremiah 29:11).
- Hope is not silent (1 Peter 3:15).
Discussion Questions:
- Why do you think God sometimes gives conditional promises?
- How does hope serve as an anchor for your soul in times of uncertainty?
- What promise of God do you need to actively trust this week?
Application Questions:
- How can you trust God more deeply in your waiting?
- What does “hope as an anchor” mean for you personally?