“The things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever…” Deuteronomy 29:29
How do you navigate your way through a world where God has kept so much secret? You live with what God has kept secret by trusting what God has revealed. Here are seven promises.
1. The future of your children.
You don’t know what the future will be like for your children, but you do know this: God will be faithful to them as he has been faithful to you. “The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off” (Acts 2:39).
2. The reason for your suffering.
You don’t know why some painful things have happened in your life, but you know that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom. 8:18), and that “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…” (2 Cor. 4:17).
3. The manner of your death.
You don’t know how you will die. But you know that to be away from the body is to be “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8), and that…to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).
4. The salvation of your loved ones.
You don’t know if your unbelieving friends and loved ones will be saved, but you do know this: God saves people who are not looking to be saved! It’s the shepherd who goes looking for the sheep.
5. The events of tomorrow.
We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we know who holds tomorrow. Our Lord spoke about this, saying, “Do not be anxious about your life…” (Matt. 6:25). Instead of worrying about tomorrow, “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (6:33).
6. The outcome of your ministry.
You don’t know all that God will do through your ministry, but you do know that “in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). On the day our ministry is evaluated by God, you will learn about prayers you never knew were answered, about deeds you never knew mattered, and about ways God used you without you even knowing.
7. The progress of your Christian life.
Know this: “When he appears we shall be like him…” (1 John 3:2). You know that you are not what you used to be. And you know that you’re not yet what you hope to be.
The things that are revealed belong to us, so obey God in what he has made known.
Which of these promises do you need to hold onto today?