Spotting God’s Promises: Discovering What God Says He Will Do

Have you ever made a promise to someone and worked hard to keep it? Maybe you promised your friend you’d help them with their homework, or you promised your parents you’d clean your room. Promises are important because they build trust, and the same is true with God. The Bible is full of promises that God has made to His people—and the best part is, He always keeps them.

In this post, we’re going to learn how to find God’s promises in the Bible, understand what they mean, and discover how they can help us trust God in our daily lives.

1. What Is a Promise from God?

A promise from God is a declaration of what He will do or provide. When God makes a promise, it’s not like a human promise that could be broken or forgotten. God’s promises are sure and trustworthy because He is faithful.

Example: Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) says, "Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise."

God’s promises can include blessings, protection, guidance, forgiveness, or future hope. Some promises are meant for specific people or situations, while others apply to all believers.

2. Types of Promises in the Bible

God’s promises come in different forms, and understanding their types can help us apply them correctly.

1. Unconditional Promises: These are promises God makes without any conditions. They will happen no matter what.

• Example: God’s promise to Noah in Genesis 9:11 that He would never again flood the earth.

  
  

2. Conditional Promises: These promises require us to do something before God fulfills them.

• Example: In 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT), God says, "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."

  
  

3. Universal Promises: These promises apply to everyone who believes in God.

• Example: God’s promise of eternal life through Jesus in John 3:16 (NLT), "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

4. Specific Promises: These are promises made to specific people for a certain purpose.

• Example: God’s promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4).

3. How to Spot a Promise in the Bible

When you’re reading the Bible, how do you know if something is a promise from God? Here are some clues to help you identify one:

• Look for phrases like "I will" or "I shall." These often indicate a promise of what God is going to do.

  • Example: In Isaiah 41:10 (NLT), God says, "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you."

• Pay attention to blessings or assurances that God gives.

  • Example: In Deuteronomy 31:6, God promises the Israelites, "He will never leave you nor forsake you."

• Ask yourself if the statement is something only God can fulfill. For instance, only God can promise to forgive sins or provide eternal life.

Activity: As you read your next Bible passage, highlight any phrases where God says, "I will" or "I promise." Write them down and think about what they mean.

4. Understanding Whether a Promise Is for You

Not every promise in the Bible is meant directly for us today. Some were given to specific people, like Abraham or the nation of Israel. However, many promises apply to all believers.

How to Tell:

• Read the context: Who is God speaking to? What is the situation?

• Check the New Testament: If a promise made in the Old Testament is repeated or referenced in the New Testament, it often applies to Christians today.

  • Example: God’s promise to be with His people (Isaiah 41:10) is echoed in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus says, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

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Tip: When you find a promise, pray and ask God to show you if it’s something He wants you to trust in your life.

5. Trusting God to Keep His Promises

One of the most important things to remember about God’s promises is that He always keeps them. Even if the promise doesn’t happen right away, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect.

Example: God promised Abraham that he would have many descendants, but Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years before Isaac was born (Genesis 21). Even when it seemed impossible, God kept His promise.

Why We Can Trust God:

• God is faithful: Lamentations 3:22-23 says, "Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning."

• God does not lie: Numbers 23:19 reminds us, "God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind."

Reflection Activity: Think about a time when God kept a promise in your life or someone you know. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

6. Applying God’s Promises to Your Life

God’s promises are meant to give us hope, comfort, and guidance. Here are some ways you can apply them:

• When you feel afraid: Remember God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10 that He will be with you.

• When you make mistakes: Trust God’s promise in 1 John 1:9 that if you confess your sins, He will forgive you.

• When you face challenges: Hold on to Philippians 4:13 (NLT): "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."

Prayer Tip: When you pray, remind yourself of God’s promises. Thank Him for being faithful and ask for His help to trust Him more.

God’s promises are powerful gifts that remind us of His love and faithfulness. By learning to spot these promises, understand their meaning, and apply them to our lives, we can grow in faith and trust. As you read the Bible, keep an eye out for God’s promises—they are treasures waiting to be discovered and lived out.