My friend Pam Turner emailed me a Believe What He Says email last week. It was a list of thoughts we can be tempted to think, coupled with a promise God gives us to believe:
What We Think –> What God Promises (Scripture Reference)
- “I can’t do it.” –> “You can do all things.” (Php 4:13)
- “I can’t figure it out.” –> “I will direct your steps.” (Pro 3:5-6)
- “I can’t forgive myself.” –> “I forgive you.” (Rom 8:1)
- “I can’t go on.” –> “My grace is sufficient.” (2Cor 12:9)
- “I can’t manage.” –> “I will supply all your needs.” (Php 4:19)
- “I feel all alone.” –> “I will never leave you.” (Heb 13:5)
- “I’m not smart enough.” –> “I will give you wisdom.” (1Cor 1:30)
- “I’m afraid.” –> “I have not given you fear.” (2Tim 1:7)
- “I’m not able.” –> “I am able.” (2Cor 9:8)
- “I’m too tired.” –> “I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28-30)
- “It’s impossible.” –> “All things are possible.” (Luke 18:27)
- “It’s not worth it.” –> “It will be worth it.” (Rom 8:28)
- “Nobody loves me.” –> “I love you.” (John 3:16)
I recommend praying through the list, believing God one promise at a time, like:
- “God, I confess to you that I think [insert What We Think].”
- “I place my faith in your promise that [insert What God Promises].”
- “I thank You that You promise this in [insert Scripture Reference].”
- (Repeat with the next line.)
As Jesus said in John 6:28-29, our main “work” is to believe what God has promised.
Your sermon today is just what I needed to here. I love how God works!
Pastor Tim,
Thank you for publishing this list of promises! I have copied it and will put the verses in for quick reference. Thank you for helping us overcome fear.
My fear was that my “prodigal” daughter would not return to Christ and go to heaven. My promise from God is in Jeremiah 24:7, “I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the LORD. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” I no longer fear for her salvation and even if I don’t see her return in my life time, (“…none of them received what had been promised…” Hebrews 11:39,) I believe God’s promise will come true.
Loved the “drink” object lesson!
Thank you!