This post is part of the Five Minute Friday link-up where we write what’s on our heart for five minutes flat, unedited (hmmm…). The writing prompt  this week is PROMISE.  I’ve been silent for a couple of months. I wrote a piece for each weekly prompt (in my mind) but never allowed it to materialize in a post, doubting the purpose of it. I hope today is the jump-start of an old habit.

Here goes –

John 3:16 (NIRV) God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.

In 1984 I was a 26-year-old mother of three, in debt and living in low-income housing. I remember lying on my second-hand couch, full of anxiety and praying, “Lord please help me. Help me and I promise I’ll start going to church.” It was something like that anyway. Within a few weeks, a friend called about a company hiring on the second shift. I applied for a job and soon went to work full-time. A year or so later I bought a home and have not been without a job since. I’ll be 61 next month.

God quickly delivered on my prayer and, at least for a while, I delivered on my promise. I got my kids into church and Sunday school but I soon forgot about my promise. Then 13 years later I had another baby and, as if children are the catalyst for faith, it was time to back to get back to church. Church maybe, but was it really faith? It felt more like guilt or obligation. Yes, I was in debt again and I had to make good on my promise.

How often do we forget our promises while God always delivers on His?

Even in our forgetfulness, God doesn’t condemn us (Rom 8:1), nor does He hold a debt over our heads, even though we owe Him everything (Ps 24:1). We don’t deserve what He gives us, but His grace is a gift freely given to all who believe (Ephes 2:8). You see, the price has already been paid for you and me through the death of His Son on the cross.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember Your love for me. You chose me (John 14:10) and I would be lost without you. Your faithfulness (Ps 57:10) and patience (2 Peter 3:15) continue to carry me toward the complete freedom You always intended (2 Cor 3:17, Gal 5:1). I am grateful for Your promises. Thank you for never changing (Heb 13:8). You are the constant of creation. Lord, keep me close. Amen

Done for today.

Photo credit to Aaron Burden (aaron-burden-759768-unsplash)