When God Says, "I Will"

As I read my Bible, I often find myself circling two simple words:

"I will."

At first, I didn't really understand why these words seemed to jump off the page. But over time, I began to realize that whenever God says, "I will," He is making a promise based on His own character, His own power, and His own faithfulness.

When people say, "I will," they may have the best intentions in the world, yet circumstances can prevent them from keeping their promises. We have all experienced broken promises, disappointments, and unmet expectations.

But God is different.

When God says, "I will," He is declaring what He Himself intends to do. His promises do not depend upon changing circumstances. They do not depend upon the economy, governments, world events, or even our own weaknesses. They depend upon Him alone.

Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly says:

"I will never leave you nor forsake you."

"I will strengthen you."

"I will help you."

"I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

"I will come again and receive you to Myself."

Every one of these promises reveals the heart of a loving Father who desires His children to trust Him.

Many Christians spend much of their lives asking, "What should I do?" While that is certainly important, there is another question we should ask:

"What has God said He will do?"

Faith grows when we stop focusing entirely on our own abilities and begin focusing on God's promises.

When fear comes, God says, "I will be with you."

When we feel weak, God says, "I will strengthen you."

When we are uncertain about the future, God says, "I will guide you."

When we wonder if He has forgotten us, God says, "I will never leave you."

The Christian life is not built upon what we promise God. It is built upon what God has promised us.

Perhaps that is why those two words have become so important to me. Every time I see "I will" in Scripture, I am reminded that God is still on the throne, still in control, and still faithful to every promise He has ever made.

One of my favorite promises is found in John 14:3:

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

For those who belong to Jesus, that promise changes everything.

The same God who said "I will" thousands of years ago is still saying "I will" today.

And what God says He will do, He will surely accomplish.