God made many promises in the Bible, but there is confusion among Christians about which verses we can make ours. Three questions are helpful in determining whether God's promises apply to our personal situation:

1. Does this promise refer to a specific person or circumstance, or is it a promise to all believers? For example, the promise made to Abraham and Sarah about the birth of their son (Genesis 18:10) was for them alone. Whereas, Hebrews 13:5 guarantees us that Christ will be with His children forever.

2. Are we asking the Lord to meet a need or a desire? A need is something we must have in order for God to complete His work in our lives. A desire is something we want for our satisfaction.

3. Before fulfilling a promise, does God require any action on our part? Proverbs 3:5-6 is a conditional promise, promising God's direction as we trust Him. On the other hand, the security of Christ's companionship is unconditional, not dependent on what we do (Matthew 28:20).

So by considering these questions as we read the Bible, we can know what promises apply to our circumstances.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that You are faithful to what You promise. Forgive me because sometimes I get carried away by my emotions and I want the solution to my circumstances to come in the way I want and at the time I want. Help me to seek more of You every day, not because of the promises, but because of who You are. I pray in the name of Your beloved Son Jesus, Amen.

1.    Hebrews 10:19-23 (NIV).

Today's Encounter was written by: Rosina N.