God’s surprising promises amaze us! You see, by standing on the promises, God’s people live out his purposes. By pointing to the promises given throughout the pages of the Bible, we can help our children to see how people like Noah and Esther bet their lives in hope that God would be true to his word. 

Even little children know the great and precious value of a promise. Dad and mom’s commitment to go to the park or the ice cream shop is a reason for hope. But a thunderstorm can rain out the picnic at the playground. Disappointment reigns when the shop closes early. Broken promises can bring tears. Even the best of parents sometimes break their promises due to circumstances beyond their control.

But God never does. The Bible tells us, “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (Num. 23:19)” The implied answer is no. God never breaks his word. His commitments are kept. His promises always come true.

Inheritance according to the Promise

As if that truth isn’t amazing enough in itself, the Bible shows us something even more dazzling. You see, when God’s promises come true, the fulfillment is bigger and better and more surprising than you’d think. When I wrote the Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible, one of the most interesting and enjoyable stories to tell was the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 25:19–34.

Read More