Lean on God’s Promises When Troubles Hit

by Rick Warren — October 28, 2023
From How God Turns Setbacks into Comebacks

“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”

Joshua 21:45 (NLT)

When we experience a setback, we tend to focus on things that can easily fall apart. We look at our bank accounts. We keep our eyes on the people around us. We put our attention on what we can hold on to.

But God says that when everything in life is falling apart, we need to remember that his promises can be trusted.

The Bible tells us, “Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true” (Joshua 21:45 NLT).

When you can’t count on anything else, you can count on the promises of God.

That’s what Paul told his shipmates when they were being battered by a storm in Acts 27. They gave up hope and thought all was lost. But God had told Paul that they all would be safe. Paul trusted God and told the others: “So take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me” (Acts 27:25 CSB).

Paul didn’t place his faith in the ship or the captain. Paul trusted God.

That boat wasn’t going to last forever. Paul understood that. But he knew the promises of God would last.

Are you trying to put your trust in a puny lifeboat?

Maybe your lifeboat is your sparkling personality. You’re sure that you can get through anything because your charm or persuasiveness will shine through.

Maybe it’s your looks. They’ve always been the key to your success. You figure you can lean on your appearance when troubles hit.

Maybe it’s your money. You plan to buy yourself out of whatever problem you face.

But all of those puny lifeboats will someday perish. The only safe place to be in the middle of a storm is directly in the center of God’s will.

Just ask Paul.

Acts 27 ends with an incredible comeback: “Everyone escaped safely to shore” (Acts 27:44 NLT).

God’s promises came true for Paul and his shipmates—everyone was safe. God’s promises will come true for you too.

When you lean on God’s promises during a storm, you can trust that every single one of them will come true. And you won’t be the only one who is helped.

God just might save your whole ship.

Talk It Over

  • Which of God’s promises have meant the most to you during difficult times?

  • What puny “lifeboats” have you depended upon in your life? What has the outcome been in those circumstances?
  • Choose one of God’s promises to commit to memory so that you’re ready to recall it when storms hit your life. Write it down, and place it where you’ll read it often.

Give hope, prayer, and encouragement below. Post a comment & talk about it.