God's Promises come with an IF

There are many like myself who at one time in their lives, have ignorantly regarded God’s promises as quick-fix medications to some or other problems and challenges in life.  We like to claim the promise, but fail to read these promises in full context.  Yes, God does promise many things for those who believe in Him, but these always come with strict conditions.  We cannot expect them to ‘work’ if we do not do our part first.  We cannot get upset that our prayers are not being answered, when we have failed to meet God’s conditions in the first place.  God’s promises always come with an ‘if’ condition – when we meet that condition, only then can we expect God to fulfil His part and keep the promise. God’s promises were never meant to be chanted like an insurance guarantee.  We need to be immensely thankful for His promises, when we do meet His conditions and never take them for granted. 

This is not only true of God’s promises, but also the many favourable blessings that we ungratefully expect to receive as our right as a believer.  God will not bless us, if we are not living a life worthy of His blessings.  God’s blessings are like an earthly reward for when we say, do, act and think according to His Word. When we live pure and holy lives, it automatically activates and releases God's blessings and promises in our lives. 

Let us take heed of this next time we encounter a promise in God’s word and make sure that we have first met the condition, before we claim the promise as our own.