A lesson I’m still learning is the eternality of God’s word. Isaiah 40:8 states, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” That poses no problem for many of us when we relate it to the word of God as “the Book” or divine rule for humankind. But I find myself becoming farsighted and doubting at times when relating that verse to the quiet assurances the Lord has instilled in my own heart.

A few years ago a pleasant day at work quickly developed into a moment that would alter the course of my life. I remember sitting and reflecting on what was occurring and all the impending ramifications. What I also recall was all the noise in my head. As I reflected I could hear something sounding in my mind I hadn’t given attention. When I focused on it, this is what I heard: “I will not let you fall.” It kept repeating, over and over. Instantly, I knew it was the Lord speaking to me.

What I didn’t realize was how that assurance was not only a promise about the immediate consequences of the situation, but also a promise to clutch through the fallout and unexpected burden that would require years for me to rebuild my life.

Today those six words, spoken in the moment of crisis, have meant everything to me. Yet the Holy Spirit has reminded me again and again that his promise wasn’t just for that time, but it remains to uphold me in whatever circumstance I face, even when I have created the consequences.

A Promise That Won’t Fail

Repetition is an essential aspect for long-lasting learning. The more a concept is rehearsed, the more ingrained it becomes in the mind, enabling a person to quickly and skillfully use it. The apostle Peter emphasized this to his readers: “I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have” (2 Pet. 1:12).

So let me remind you here, using God’s word, that his promise, no matter how small or personal, remains in full force for you.

• “God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act?” (Num. 23:19)
• “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.” (Isa. 49:15-16)
• “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isa. 55:10-11)