Caribbean Moravian Devotions

I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Genesis 28:15

We all should remember the chorus ‘we are climbing Jacob’s ladder’. It is about the dream he had as he journeyed from Beersheba to Harran in search of a wife in his uncle Laban’s household. As he slept on the cold ground with a rock for his pillow, he had the dream of the steps up to heaven, angels going up and down and the Lord himself at the very top. The promise of the land is given to him even as it had been given to his grandfather Abraham before him. The Lord closes off by assuring Jacob of his presence until the all that was promised had happened. In other words, not only was God making the promise, but also a commitment to see it happen. God’s promises come with God’s commitment.

Each of us has at some point in our lives been the recipient of some grandeur promises which were never to be. Life is, at its best, full of disappointments and unknown endings. God however sets appointments for us and ensures that they are met to the fullest, regardless of our circumstance. Jacob was worried that his brother would hurt him so he watched his back. At the same time he is going into a land he does not know. The past for him was not good and the future was uncertain. He probably felt like staying there where he felt safe and protected. I am sure we often find ourselves in situations where we want to remain right where we are - not wanting the past to catch up with us and not wanting to venture towards the uncertainty of the future. God however promises us a future that will be both brighter and better if we trust in him. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jer. 29: 11. God knew the difficulties ahead for Jacob and promised to see him through them all and to bring him back.

My friends, wherever we are, we are safe, if we have God's favorable presence with us. He knows what is ahead for us, and therefore promises us His preserving presence through it all. God knows how to give his people graces and comforts enough to endure what shall be, what is, and what is to come. You may be struggling on your journey today, you may even be trying to avoid what was while being fearful of what is to be. Remember GodÂ’s promise to Jacob is also your promise today. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. Trust the future then, knowing that you do not journey alone and God who has promised to journey with you, commits Himself to His promises.

‘till next Tuesday, be blessed!