Standing on the Promises
Reflective Reading: Romans 4:20-21
Recently I was editing the script for our next Lamplighter Theatre audio drama, Arthur’s Big Opportunity. It’s a story about a boy and his best friend who long for an “opportunity” to do good. However, they find that good intentions don’t always equal good results. In their quest of goodwill, they find themselves in all sorts of mischief—often doing quite the opposite of what they were intending. Their escapades are hilarious. I would say that this story is completely opposite to our best-selling children’s book, Teddy’s Button, but with the same result!
In this unique Amy LeFeuvre story, Arthur learns to endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ and in so doing he must learn to trust in the promises of God—all 8,677 of them! Arthur begins to see that a devastating and life-threatening trial is actually an answer to his prayer for a “big opportunity.”
In this story we also learn about Russell Carter (1849-1928), a star athlete in the U.S. military academy who suffered a severe setback at the height of his career. At thirty years of age, he was told by doctors that his heart was failing and nothing could be done.
It was this shock that brought him to his knees and led him to give his life to the Lord. Though disabled by his heart condition, he began to study theology, medicine, and music. During this time the Bible and God’s promises came alive to him. He later became a Methodist preacher and penned the words to the beloved hymn, Standing on the Promises of God.
Although Carter suffered greatly during the time he wrote this song, he stood on the promises of God. A few years later, he was miraculously healed and went on to become a successful teacher, coach, and doctor-of-medicine.
Sickness is not an easy trial for anyone, but we can be sure that God gives us this assignment for our good. King David writes,
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word” (Psalm 119:67).
“I know, O LORD, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75).
“If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction” (Psalm 119:92).
“I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word” (Psalm 119:107)!
Discouraged by your trials, or know someone who is struggling with debilitating health issues? God desires what is best for us and has given us over eight thousand promises to prove that He is for us and will be with us. In Romans 4 we read: “No unbelief made Abraham waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised” (Romans 4:20, 21 ESV).
Trust, gratitude, and unshakeable faith may be the path to unleashing the promises of God. May the lyrics of Russel Carter’s hymn take on new meaning for those who seek to stand on these promises.
Sincerely,
Mark Hamby
M.S., M. Div., Th. M., D. Min.
Joshua 21:45
Standing On the Promises
Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
standing on the promises of God.
Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises I now can see
Perfect, present cleansing in the blood for me;
Standing in the liberty where Christ makes free,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by loves strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain
Standing on the promises I cannot fall,
Listening every moment to the Spirit’s call
Resting in my Savior as my all in all,
Standing on the promises of God.
Recommended Reading:
Teddy’s Button Book/Audio Drama (Ages 6+)
Arthur’s Big Opportunity Book (Ages 9+)
Buried in the Snow Book/Audio Drama (Ages 9+)
Standing with Grace Book (Ages 12+)
