Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
It seems that there has been one thing after another that has come up in recent days. I have received calls and texts from people asking for prayer, calling me to a loved one’s side or informing me of one more struggle that is going on. Honestly, it has really been tough on me.
When I sat down at my computer to write this article, I received a text from my younger sister. She told me about a longtime friend that was in the hospital and after surgery was in ICU on a ventilator. This really stirred my heart.
It was then that I heard a song that the Martin’s sing. I have known Joyce, Judy and Jonathan for a very long time. Their heart for music has ministered to me and others over the years. I have heard the song many times, but it came today at just the time I needed to hear it. It is called – “The Promise.” These are the words.
I never said that I would give you silver or gold,
Or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold.
But I did say you'd never walk through this world alone,
And I did say, don't make this world your home
I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night,
Or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight.
But I did say I'd be right there by your side,
And I did say I'll always help you fight.
'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep,
My grace will be sufficient in every time of need.
My love will be the anchor that you can hold onto.
This is the promise, this is the promise I made to you
I never said that friends would never turn their backs on you,
Or that the world around you wouldn't see you as a fool.
But I did say like Me, you'll surely be despised,
And I did say My ways confound the wise.
I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death,
Or have to walk through chilly Jordan to enter into rest.
But I did say I'd be waiting right on the other side,
And I did say I'll dry every tear you cry
'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place
And someday sooner than you think you'll see me face to face,
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude.
This is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you
So just keep on walkin', don't turn to the left or right,
And in the midst of darkness, let this be your light.
That hell can't separate us and you're gonna make it through.
This is the promise, this is the promise I made to you.
Songwriters: Don Poythress / Brian Gene White; The Promise lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
As I listened to the lyrics, it reaffirmed for me that God has promised those who trust in Him that He will ‘never forsake’ us (Heb. 13:5). 2 Peter 3:9 says – “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
God loves us and desires for us to have a relationship with Him that will carry us through any and every rough time that we might face knowing He will be there with us.
Hebrews 10:23 says – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” So just know that God will be there for us no matter what we might have to walk through in life. We must simply trust Him. He will be there – that’s a promise!
JESUS, JESUS, JESUS, there IS something about that name!!
Christ only, always,
Bro. Paul
