Rainbows are an optical phenomenon occurring when sunlight reflects and refracts off droplets of water, breaking into different wavelengths of color. A marvel and delight to our eyes, the rainbow is also the sign of a promise God made with every living creature: “I have set My rainbow in the clouds…never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (Genesis 9:13,15). As surely as God has kept this promise, He is faithful to all His promises. He sent Jesus as the sign and fulfillment:
“For all God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’’” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The apostle Paul penned these words to explain the strength and holiness with which he endured exceedingly great hardships and trials. By trusting in God’s promises, Paul learned not to rely on his own resources and strength. He found that God, through Christ, “makes both us and you stand firm” (2 Corinthians 1:21). He learned to depend on the grace of God.
God’s promises explain what we, through coming to Christ and believing Him, can receive. Like Paul, without hardships we will never experience all that’s available to us through the indwelling Spirit of Christ. How often do we fall into despair when difficulties come? Yet they are the very catalysts through which God’s greatest provision is released and His incredible promises fulfilled. Without difficult circumstances we would not fully experience God’s promise that He:
“…will meet all your needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
An Irish myth says that we can find our hopes and dreams at the end of a rainbow — the proverbial pot of gold. In contrast, the promises of God, supernaturally fulfilled by the ultimate Promise Keeper, are a reality we can rely on. Consider what lies at the end of God’s promises to His children:
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
On what promise of God do you need to stand today? Come to Him. Believe Him. Then wait to receive from Him the fulfillment of all He has promised and provided for you in Christ Jesus.