Making Statements into Promises

by Dr. Randy White

"He continued to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding through the vision of God; and as long as he sought the Lord, God prospered him." (2 Chronicles 26:5, NASB95)
King Uzziah was probably the most prominent King of Judah, reigning 52 years.  He was “on again, off again” in his relationship with the Lord and obedience to His Word, but when he was on, “God prospered Him.”

Many times we read statements like this and we claim them as personal promises.  We make an unmerited leap from a statement about Uzziah the King to a promise that we can claim.  Most of the “name it and claim it” theology of today’s church is based on this kind of leap.

Joshua was given a promise that when he was obedient to the Law of God then he would have success.  Again, so many of us today make a leap from this statement about Joshua and we make a promise for anyone.

I once heard of a fellow who walked out of a two-story window because the scripture said,  “He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.  They will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a stone” (Psalm 91:11-12).  Even Jesus would not apply this scripture to Himself when Satan tempted Him at the precipice of the Temple wall.  This scripture has a very specific end-times application, and making a specific into a general will generally get you into a world of hurt!

Before you claim a promise, make sure it is really a promise, and that it is authorized for your claim!

In His Grace,
Dr. Randy White