Man’s Promises or God’s Promises

Trusting God’s promises is like plugging into the only true source of power—His Word always delivers.

✍🏼 Devotional Credit: Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra
📸 Photo Credit: Unsplash

Today’s reading from Bob Hoekstra highlights the vast difference between the old covenant, which was based on man’s promises to God, and the new covenant, which rests entirely on God’s promises to man. The people of Israel, with the best of intentions, promised obedience: “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Yet history revealed their repeated failure. Their zeal could not uphold the law, because human strength is not enough to meet God’s perfect standards.

In contrast, the new covenant is anchored in what God alone can do: “I will give you a new heart…I will put My Spirit within you.” The emphasis has shifted from we will to I will. And that shift changes everything.

We’re not called to muster up commitment or perform our way to God. We’re invited to receive His promises, trust His Word, and walk by the indwelling Spirit. Instead of making vows we can’t keep, we rest in the One who keeps every word He has spoken. The difference? Living by grace, not grit. God’s performance, not ours. And in that shift, we discover a life that actually works.

✍🏼 Personalized Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My beloved, I have never asked you to impress Me with your promises. I have asked you to trust Mine.

When Israel said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do,” they were sincere—but they leaned on their own strength. And as long as you do the same, you will find yourself striving, failing, and weary. I did not design you to live that way. I did not give the law to save you, but to show you your need for a Savior. And now that you are Mine, I have placed My Spirit within you to cause you to walk in My ways.

You do not need to stir up devotion—I have given you a new heart. You do not need to manufacture righteousness—I have given you Christ. You do not need to will yourself to obey—I work in you both to will and to do for My good pleasure.

Your promises will falter, but My Word stands forever. Rest in what I have said. Trust what I have done. Walk in what I am doing. I am not a man that I should lie. What I have spoken, I will fulfill. I began this work in you, and I will complete it. I do not ask for your vow; I offer you My faithfulness.

Scriptures referenced: Exodus 19:7–8; Leviticus 18:5; Deuteronomy 9:24; Jeremiah 31:31, 33; Ezekiel 36:26–27; Numbers 23:19; Philippians 2:13

🧺 Real-Life Analogy

It’s like standing at the edge of a treadmill, promising to run a marathon without realizing it’s unplugged. You can declare your determination, but nothing moves. But when the power source is connected, even a gentle walk becomes forward motion. God is the power source—plug into Him, and your walk becomes His work.

🙏🏼 Prayer of Confidence

Father, I rejoice that I no longer have to rely on my promises to You, but can live each moment trusting Yours to me. You have given me a new heart, a new spirit, and Your own indwelling life. I am no longer bound to striving—I am free to walk in step with Your Spirit. Thank You that what You say, You do, and what You begin, You finish. Today I walk in quiet confidence, resting in Your Word and rejoicing in Your faithfulness.