“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God…” (2 Cor. 1:20 NKJ).
The test of validity of a promise is its performance. In Luke 1:45 we are told in essence: “…There will be a fulfillment of those things promised you by the Lord.” So, standing on a promise from God is not mere wishful thinking or clinging to an impossible dream.
A promise from the Lord carries with it its own assurance of fulfillment. In Numbers 23:19, the writer says of God: “…Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (NKJ).
But between promise and performance is a time frame marked patience. It is harder to wait than to move. It is easier to run than to stand still. Waiting for an answer that seems unnecessarily delayed is not really to our liking.
Patiently waiting is valuable because the Lord has instruction for us. While we are waiting. He has our attention. We are ready for correction…reproof…personality adjustment…lessons in obedience. In our times of waiting we learn that we cannot program God, instead we must place our total trust and reliance in Him. We come to realize that the Lord is our sole source of supply.
The benefit of the patient time is two-fold: 1) we receive the answer which is so encouraging to our faith, and 2) we learn valuable lessons of trust and reliance.
We learn the power of confessing the promises of God and of obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Not only does a promise assure an answer, it also assures us of valuable instruction in the school of faith!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.