CONDITIONAL OR UNCONDITIONAL?

There seem to be two different kinds of promises that God makes in the Bible. One is a conditional promise. God says He promises to do something for us, but in order for us to receive that promise, we also have to do something. I think, as people, we understand these promises - we sometimes call them covenants or contracts. God promises to do something if we also do something. Ephesians 6:1, for example, says Honor your father and mother--this is the first commandment with a promise--so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. God’s end of the deal is conditional upon us doing what He asks us to do. But, there is a second type of promise that God makes as well, an unconditional promise. These are things God promises to do no matter what. I can sometimes have a hard time understanding these promises, but I am so thankful that God is faithful in standing by what He promises us. 

Joshua 1:9 says This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. This verse has been on my mind for the last few months as we talked about this summer series. As I have reflected on this verse, I found that, in the past, I would read it as if it were a conditional promise: If I am strong and courageous and not afraid or discouraged, God will go with me. But that is not what is said here. God promises to be with me unconditionally. He says, because I will be with you wherever you go, there is no need for you to be fearful and discouraged. His presence is enough, and it’s all that we need. I encourage you to continue to trust in the Lord because He promises

-Pastor Steve