Well, being the people's person that I am, I will normally give the answer that "Of course God is all compassionate and considerate. He knows what you go through. In His goodness, He has answered your prayers. Now just take your time and settle your own affairs first, before fulfilling your promise to God..."
However, that was not what I said that afternoon. Interestingly, the few days at office prior to this meeting, I have been listening to the sermons of an "old-school" preacher. And he did talked about how God doesn't need our promises - He is the Lord Almighty, and is the provider and giver of all things, and do not need our promises. However, if you make a promise to God, then He expects you to fulfil it. He believes that God hears our every prayer, and if you commit something as a promise unto the Lord, then He will hold you accountable to it.
Haha, don't how comforted was my friend by that response, but I believe it is what the Lord wants her to remember. Even though He is gracious and understanding, He still expects us to keep our promise to Him. Not because He needs it, but we need it, for the good of our souls.
my parting shot: It's funny** how The Lord has been sending the Word in advance to me this past year. And I thank Him for His goodness in providing the wonderful counsel for me to give to others in their times of need .
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* I had the Hoegardens, my friend had the coffee and ice-cream. Not wise to drink both in 1 sitting, unless you want to kee pvisiting the toilet...
** not funny "funny" as in "hahaha" or hilarious funny, but "divinely" or "miraculously" funny.
Hi bro, I concur with your response. Here are some verses which I thought speak about the same issue:
ReplyDeleteEcclesiastes 5:4-5
4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.
Psalm 15 (note 4b)
1 Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman, 4 who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts, 5 who lends his money without usury and does not accept a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.
I believe that God is gracious and generous, when we seek Him for a certain thing, we don't have to promise to return a favor. (exchange of favors is not grace leh!). But if we do promise, then God does take our words seriously.
yo bro, thanks for the scriptural references.
ReplyDeletehaha, the thought of I can do fovors for God is actually quite mind-boggling. It's like being challenged to see whether we can outgive God or not...