One more look at Solomon’s response when the “the presence of the Lord filled the Temple” (I Kings 8:11b, NLT).
“The king turned around to the entire community of Israel standing before him and gave this blessing:
‘Praise the Lord, the God of Israel, who has kept the promise He made to my father, David. And now the Lord has fulfilled the promise He made, for I have become king in my father’s place, and I now sit on the throne of Israel, just as the Lord promised” (I Kings 8:14-15a, 20a).
Three times in this passage we see Solomon’s refer to God’s faithfulness to keep His promises: (1) “Praise the Lord… who has kept the promise He made…” (2) “And now the Lord has fulfilled the promise He made…” (3) “…just as the Lord promised.”
He is faithful to His Word, you know. After all, John 1:1 teaches us that He is the Living Word. If God has made you a promise, stand on it – He’s trustworthy.
Larry and I and many other family members prayed for twenty years for the salvation of Larry’s dad. That ornery ol’ cuss finally gave in and attended a church service with his grandson Jason during which he was gloriously transformed into “a new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17a, NIV). He lived out the remainder of his life as a sold-out believer. God is faithful.
Was God the holdup on seeing my father-in-law saved? Of course not. Second Corinthians 6:2 reminds us: “Today is the day of salvation” (NLT). But the Lord doesn’t force anyone to turn to Him. He waits for the ones who will call on His Name.
Whether you’re waiting on a loved one’s salvation or for the fulfillment of some other promise God has given you, hang in there. Keep believing. Keep trusting. Keep praying. If God said it, it’s gonna happen.
“For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God by us” (II Corinthians 1:20, AKJV).
“You will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance” (Hebrews 6:12, NLT).
“The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled” (Romans 15:4b).
“Nothing is impossible with respect to any of God’s promises” (Luke 1:37, ISV).
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