7 SEPTEMBER

THE PROMISE (MY FIRST BICYCLE)

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2)

My late dad had a title, “Apostle of Integrity”, given to him by his friends and acquaintances. I could relate very easily with that, having watched him reject inducements and even gifts for work already done in his workplace. He did what he believed was right and would accept nothing for it.

But even long before I knew this, he had shown me a first–hand experience of “a promise made is a promise kept.” Dad had promised to buy a bicycle for any of his children who came first in the examinations in school. In my early years of primary school, I had come first throughout the three terms of a previous year. I was rewarded with praises, of course, but I guess my parents felt they needed to give something outstanding to encourage us their children.

Moreover, we had just moved to a bigger town and bigger school. The number of students in a class was the same thirty but instead of one stream, as in the previous school, this school had a minimum of five streams. Definitely, being first in a total number of about one hundred and fifty would be a bigger challenge. I met the challenge.

Now, I wonder, was it I? No, surely; God was preparing me for something. The cost of a bicycle was huge but Dad, urged on by my mum, kept his promise. My parents were unique and great parents. As a result of this and many testimonies and miracles I have experienced, I find it easy to believe that God will do what He says He will and that I have a beautiful mansion being prepared for me in heaven. Do you believe?

Even though some earthly parents may fail to keep their promises, our heavenly Father can never fail! We only need to accept and believe in Jesus Christ, as our Saviour and Lord, and then ride in obedience on the approved pathway to that great mansion!

ACTION: Trust God. Parents, please fulfil your promises to your children.

PRAYER: My Father, the Great Promise Keeper, thank you for the wonderful promise you have made to me regarding my final home in heaven. Help me to remain steadfast in faith till you bring it to fulfilment.