“For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The Bible contains hundreds of promises, some made to specific individuals or nations and others intended for all believers. Yet simply being a Christian doesn’t mean we automatically reap the benefits of everything God has promised. So, what do we need to know about claiming the promises of God?
First, God’s promises are rooted in His unchanging character. He is faithful and true, always doing what He says He will do. His promises are not only declarations but demonstrations of His power and ability. Everything promised to believers in the New Testament is fulfilled in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). So, these promises cannot be claimed unless you have a relationship with Jesus.
Second, God’s promises are activated by His power as we exercise trust in Him. Faith involves more than intellectual agreement; it’s a confident reliance on God’s grace to supply what is needed to live according to His Word. The problem is that we often approach God’s promises with a sense of entitlement, forgetting the role our obedience plays. Many promises in Scripture are conditional, fulfilled as we live with integrity and walk in obedience to His commands. As Psalm 84:11 reminds us, “No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”
A vivid example of this truth is found in Numbers 14:39–45. God promised the Israelites a land of prosperity and protection, but their unbelief and disobedience led to judgment. He declared that the generation of doubters would die in the wilderness while He prepared the next generation to receive the promise. When they tried to claim the land without faith or obedience, they failed miserably. Though they invoked God’s name, they went without His presence or His power.
Claiming the promises of God isn’t about pursuing a life of ease but about living a life of faith. Keep in mind, many biblical promises are about God’s provision in times of adversity, not guarantees of prosperity. That’s why trust and obedience are essential. But you can’t claim a promise without knowing the Promiser. Are you wrestling with an attitude of entitlement regarding God’s blessings? Remember, when you trust the Blesser, you receive the blessings.
