God’s Promises Have No Exception Clauses

I believe we are in the last days, as prophesied in Revelation. I would, of course, never make any predictions for dates or even how many years we have left. But I do think it’s safe to say that we who take the Word literally from front to back can see things shaping up for what we are told is coming in God’s Word.

Of course, many of you don’t agree. You say people have always thought Jesus was coming throughout the ages. And, yes, they sure have! That is because the doctrine of the rapture is imminent. It could happen at any moment. But we all do realize that one of these days it will be the generation that will be carried away from God’s wrath to come. Meanwhile, the earth will be subjected to God’s wrath in a way never before seen. It is going to happen. God is true to His entire Word and we can count on it.

You may not believe this and that’s your personal decision to make (I suggest you do your own thorough personal study of the Bible before making this decision). But this post is specifically for those of you who, like me, see how all that’s going on fits into the end and brings it that much closer than we ever perceived it was. It is for those of you who, like me, are filled with uncertainty and a deeply unsettled feeling as you contemplate the days ahead and what they mean for you and your family. It is for those of you who, like me, feel a lot of grief and even some fear as much of what you counted on as solid and stable has begun to sway and buckle beneath you.

I don’t think I am alone in realistically looking at what’s going on and yearning for the Lord to take us to that place He is preparing for us (John 14:1-3). But, in the back of our minds, there is always that question: What if He doesn’t?

God, in His ultimate wisdom, has chosen to keep the specific timing of the rapture a secret from us. So we must live like it could happen any day, while, at the same time, living our lives to please the Lord and doing what needs to be done.

As we contemplate living our lives on the earth during these last days, I was thinking about something that I wanted to share. I don’t know who needs to hear this but I found this extremely encouraging as I have had wayyyyy too much time to think as I am recovering from my illness.

God’s promises have NO exception clauses.

Have you ever considered this? I think we know it, but let’s think about how verses would sound if God had added in exception clauses for these last days–

(Psalm 46:1) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble–except in the last days. Then you are on your own.

(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid–except when those last days come, then you will need to be both troubled and afraid.

(Philippians 4:6-7) do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.–except during that short window of time when the earth is preparing for the tribulation years. No peace available during that time.

You get the idea. God’s promises have no exception clauses. Ever. His promises to be our help, our peace, our sanctuary, our safe place, our shield are continual throughout the end of time. His promises to guard and establish and protect and supply our needs and to never leave us are real promises that have no conditions.

So how do we keep our hearts and minds focused in and remembering these awesome and comforting promises?

We find the answer in God’s Word–

First, we keep our minds on God and refuse to waver in our trust.

(Isaiah 26:3) You keep him in perfect peace
    whose mind is stayed on you,
    because he trusts in you.
⁴ Trust in the Lord forever,
    for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.

Second, we submit our wills to God, draw near to Him, and purify our lives.

(James 4:7-8) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Third, we end our love affair with this world and set our minds on things above.

(Colossians 3:1-2)  If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

 

As I think about those three things, I can see how they cause me to stumble. I grow weak in faith as I turn my eyes on what’s happening in this world and away from God;  When I want what I want in this life and fear what God may have planned for me I weaken and crack; and, sometimes, I love my life in this world more than the hope of the life to come.

If we can do these three things above, it will take us a long way towards experiencing peace and even joy during these unprecedented days where life is rumbling and roiling and changing constantly for all of us.

God’s promises have NO exception clauses and He will be with us until He calls us home. The God of the universe has promised to never leave us or forsake us if we are one of His children (Hebrews 13:5). Isn’t that an amazing thought?

Let’s take comfort in God’s Word and His abundant promises as we face the days ahead.