God Can, But Will He?

One Sunday evening, a pastor from neighboring town attended our church service. He arrived early so time was available for fellowship. He proceeded to share tidbits of his life and ministry and indicated he needed prayer. We assured him God could turn everything around for good. He said something profound, “I know God can, but will He?”  

Here was a man of God having doubts on God’s willingness to come through for him in his time of need. Satan is so cunning. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Satan took advantage of this dear pastor’s weakness, and put a thought into his mind that caused him to doubt God’s willingness to turn things around for good. There is power in prayer, and God hears every one of them. We can pray by ourselves and we should; but there are times we seek out other believers and ask them to pray with and for us. The Lord may give them a Word that will encourage us to contend with our faith, and to never give up.  

Psalm 33:4 in the NCV translation says, “God Word is true and everything he does is right.” God has proven to me that His Word is true. One morning while doing devotions and reading my Bible, I noticed several Scripture verses where the Lord said, “I will…..” These words appeared more and more as I read. I meditated on them and allowed their meaning to settle into my heart and mind. An immense feeling of joy, hope, and encouragement overcame me. 

When God says, “I will”, we can rest assured it will happen. No need to concern ourselves over how or when. They are God’s promises to His children, and the best part is He loves us all the same. He’s no respecter of persons. We are all His favorites. There’s over 7000 promises in the Bible, found in Genesis through to Revelation. These promises are given by the Lord Himself, King David in the Psalm’s, the prophets, and Jesus’ disciples. 

We are told in the Bible that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. My purpose in writing this article is to give readers an opportunity to seek God’s promises for themselves, and deepen their knowledge of God, and His dear Son, Jesus Christ. 

My walk with the Lord started many years ago. A walk that was not always easy, and many mistakes were made along the way. I’m grateful that the Lord in His infinite wisdom didn’t give me everything I asked for, or more mistakes would have surely been made. 

Today; I consider myself a mature believer and have come to understand Psalm 34:19 that says: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord will solve them all.” I love this promise. The Bible tells us we will have many afflictions. And this has proven true in my life and probably yours. Yet, the rest of the verse says that the Lord will solve them all. The word “all” speaks volumes. The Lord will solve them all, not just some. His way of solving afflictions, however, may not be in the way or time-frame we expected. God will solve whatever comes our way as nothing is impossible for Him. 

We go to God in prayer when we have a need. God will honor His Word so when we pray according to His Word, we have the answer. Here are ten Scripture verses taken from the Old and New Testament where the Lord gives His promise.

“I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. I will heal you.” 2 Kings: 20-5. 

The Lord says, “I will make you wise and show you where to go. I will guide you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8

“Because he loves me”, says the Lord. “I will rescue him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show my salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16.

“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you. Do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13. 

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.” Isaiah 65:24

“I will change their sadness into happiness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sadness.” Jeremiah 31:13.

“You shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” says the Lord Almighty. Jeremiah 29:11

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. ”  2 Corinthians 6:18

“For I will be merciful towards their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” Hebrews 8:12

The above Scripture verses give a glimpse of God’s promises found in the Bible. When we know God’s promises, our prayer life will never be the same. When doubt tries to enter our minds, we can say with certainty, “God can, and will answer my prayers, in His time and way. Amen.” 

Anne-Marie Madore is the author of God Said, “I WILL” Promise Book. She writes a weekly post on her God Inspired Blog found on anne-mariemadore.ca