2 Corinthians 1:20 Devotional

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
-2 Corinthians 1:20

Have you ever felt the deep betrayal of a broken promise?

There are many times in our lives that we are let down by those we once trusted with our darkest secrets and most desperate needs. When we ask someone to help us or hold something dear, and they do not keep their promise, a deep crack forms in our trust. How can you ever trust someone again if all they do is continually let you down?

The believers in Paul’s day lived in a world of broken promises. Crooked merchants, broken families, evil and corrupt politicians ruled the day. The words of those in charge had to be taken with a grain of salt, and Christians were often the most vulnerable in society.

In helping the believers find hope, Paul reminded the Corinthian church that every promise of God is “Yes” and “Amen” – period. With God, there were no let-downs or failures. Every promise that God has made in His Word can be trusted to come true.

Why?

Because the greatest promise God ever made did come true – Jesus Himself.

In the opening pages of Genesis, when Adam and Eve fell to the temptation of the serpent, God promised that one day a savior would come who would destroy sin and death forever. Thousands of years later, a baby was born in a manger in Israel who would become the conquering King.

The promises of God are always true and final. They may not appear or occur as we would prefer or hope, but they are faithful nonetheless. You can trust Him with your darkest secrets and deepest desires because He cares, He knows, and He is True.

Questions For Reflection on 2 Corinthians 1:20

#1 Think of a time when a promise was broken in your life. How did you feel? How did you react? How does that experience color how you imagine God and His promises?

#2 With the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, God has kept His greatest promise. Yet there is one more – that Jesus will return. Do you believe this promise? How does that drive you to live your life differently?

Prayer

God, every promise with you is “Yes” and “Amen!” Thank you for your unfailing promises. Thank you for Jesus, who came as promised to deliver me from sin and death, and bring me to a relationship with You that is eternal. Help me to trust You when difficult times come, and when I feel that Your promises are not coming true, help me to trust that all You have said and done before has happened exactly as You said it would.