Plunge Into the Promises of God

By Hope Wilbanks

[Abraham] didn't tiptoe around God's promise asking cautiously skeptical questions. He plunged into the promise and came up strong, ready for God.
- Romans 4:20 (The Message)

I wanted to laugh when I read this scripture. Not because the scripture is funny, but because it's so ironic.

For some reason, we have an image in our mind that God is this big, strong, mean dude. We picture Him sitting on His throne, with a lightening bolt rod and a fist of iron. His forehead is wrinkled, brows furrowed and a frown sits prominently above His chin.

We go before Him fearful (afraid, not respectful). With trembling knees, like a little child, we bring our request before Him. But in that moment when you feel God's presence and know He is there listening, what do you feel? Most of the time it's doubt.

Why do we do this to ourselves? Where in the world did we get these ideas?

We must forge ahead, walking boldly before the throne of God to make our petitions known. We must approach His throne with respect and awe, not cowardly with fear.

God is our FATHER. He is not some powerful being that is removed from feelings, thoughts, etc. He knows how we feel. He knows what we're thinking. Nothing escapes Him.

* Luke 11:5-9:
"Then he said, "Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread.

An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don't have a thing on hand.'

"The friend answers from his bed, "Don't bother me. The door's locked; my children are all down for the night; I can't get up to give you anything.'

"But let me tell you, even if he won't get up because he's a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he'll finally get up and get you whatever you need."

"Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open."

As a child, one of my most favorite memories is all the times that my Daddy took me shopping and bought me a new book. A new book was a special treat for me. I knew if I asked Daddy to buy me the latest in the Sweet Valley High series, he would oblige.

I never felt fear when I asked for a new book. When I asked, I had no doubt that he would say YES. (No, I didn't always get a book, but that didn't squelch my faith in asking for them.)

God is no different. I imagine He probably gets tired of our silly tactics. There we stand, before God Himself, fidgeting, twirling our hair around our finger, mumbling and in some cases, saying, "Never mind," as we turn around and walk away from Him, because we don't think He cares.

* Luke 11:10-13: "Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. 11If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate?"

If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider?

As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing--you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
The simple truth is that Jesus loves us. He wants what is best for us. And He wants us to approach Him with boldness.

Let us plunge into the promises of God today! Go boldly before His throne, knowing that He cares for you, and believing that with Him all things are possible!