Annie Johnson wrote, “God has not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all our lives through. God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorrow, peace without pain. God has not promised we shall not know toil and temptation, trouble and woe; He has not told us we shall not bear many a burden, many a care. But God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way; Grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy, undying love.” Long ago, Moses counted on God’s unchanging word and undying love when God threatened to slaughter the entire nation of ancient Israel. We read Moses’ plea in Numbers 14 “Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion … In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.’ Then the Lord said, ‘I will pardon them as you have requested.’” Today, as Moses did, we entreat God’s favor best when we rely on what God has said in His word, then ask God to do as He promised to do.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
