“No words written on paper will ever sustain you like the promises of God.”

A thought by Max Lucado (2015-09-15) from his book, Glory Days: Living Your Promised Land Life Now (p. 167). Thomas Nelson. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

Have you found that true yet?  Have you?

Max says, “No words written on paper will ever sustain you like the promises of God. Do you know them? To the bereaved: ‘Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning’ (Ps. 30:5 NIV). To the besieged: ‘The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all’ (Ps. 34:19 NIV). To the sick: ‘The LORD sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness’ (Ps. 41:3 NIV). To the lonely: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you’ (Isa. 43:2 NIV). To the dying: ‘In my Father’s house are many rooms . . . I go to prepare a place for you’ (John 14:2 ESV). To the sinner: ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ (2 Cor. 12:9 NIV).”

Max tells a story about being on a plane. He says, “The flight into Houston was delayed by storms. We landed at the exact time the final flight into San Antonio was scheduled to depart. As we taxied toward the gate, I was checking my watch, thinking about hotels, preparing to call and tell Denalyn of my delay, grumbling at the bad break. Then over the loud speaker a promise. ‘This is the pilot. I know many of you have connections. Relax. You’ll make them. We are holding your planes. We have a place for you.’ Well, I thought, he wouldn’t say that if he didn’t mean it. So I decided to trust his promise. I didn’t call Denalyn. I stopped thinking about hotels. I quit checking my watch. I relaxed. I waited my turn to get off the plane and set my sights on my gate. I marched through the concourse with confidence. Hadn’t the pilot given me a promise? Other people in the airport weren’t so fortunate. They, also victims of inclement weather, were in a panic. Travelers were scrambling, white faced and worried. Their expressions betrayed their fear. Too bad their pilot hadn’t spoken to them. Or perhaps he had and they hadn’t listened. Your Pilot has spoken to you. Will you listen? No, I mean really listen?  Let his promises settle over you like the warmth of a summer day.”

Will you do that, really do that?