No Promise Necessary
OCTOBER 22, 2024
You don't need to bargain with God or make promises you can't keep. Instead, receive His grace, live in His peace, and accept the righteousness gifted to you through Jesus.
We’ve all been there—kneeling in desperation, our hearts heavy with regret. “Lord, if you get me out of this, I promise I’ll never do it again,” we plead. But what if I told you that no promise is necessary? God’s grace is more than enough to cover every mistake, bad decision, and destructive behavior. His grace is truly amazing, and it covers all.
It’s natural to want to atone for our wrongs. We think, “Maybe if I show God I’m sorry, give more to ministry, or be a better person, I’ll earn His favor.” While those are good actions, they don’t put us in God’s favor. Nothing we do or offer can earn His grace. The work of the cross has already paid it all.
If you’re like me, you’ve made promises you couldn’t keep, leaving you feeling defeated, guilty, and ashamed. Our Heavenly Father doesn’t require promises; He requires trust. He asks us to run to Him and rest in His grace.
Consider the story of Paul, who spoke of having a thorn in his flesh—an affliction he couldn’t rid himself of. We all have something like that, a reminder that we must depend on God’s grace, not our righteousness. When Paul pleaded for his thorn to be removed, God’s response was simple yet profound, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
This message is liberating. Even with our imperfections, even when we falter, God’s grace is sufficient. It keeps us in right standing with Him. We don’t need to make promises we can’t keep. We don’t need to feel guilt or shame when we fall short. We just need to trust in the Lord, knowing our help comes from Him.
In moments of weakness, remember that His grace is enough. It always has been, and it always will be.
This should come as a relief! Even with our imperfections, God’s grace maintains our standing with Him. There’s no need for unattainable promises or guilt over shortcomings. Simply look to Him for help, and know that it has already arrived through Jesus.
The key takeaway? You don’t need to bargain with God or make promises you can’t keep. Instead, receive His grace, live in His peace, and accept the righteousness gifted to you through Jesus. Life becomes easier when we stop trying to fix everything ourselves and rest in the finished work of the cross. From today forward, remember this good news: God’s grace is a gift, freely given. Accept it, enjoy it, and most importantly, live in it. No need for promises about what you’ll never do again. Trust that whatever happens, God is faithful and just to forgive. That’s the essence of the Gospel.