Trusting in the Promises of God

DCC Small Group Guide: Trusting in the Promises of God
By Don Vess

Scripture Focus

Psalm 145:5–13 (NLT)
“I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles… The Lord is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love… The Lord always keeps his promises; he is gracious in all he does.”

Joshua 21:45 (NLT)
“Not a single one of all the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel was left unfulfilled; everything he had spoken came true.”

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Devotional

Throughout Scripture we see a consistent truth: God always keeps His promises.

The psalmist reminds us that God’s people should continually speak about His goodness, proclaim His power, and remember His faithfulness. When we share testimonies of what God has done, it strengthens our faith and gives hope for the future.

At the end of Joshua’s leadership, he looked back over Israel’s journey and declared that not a single promise of God had failed. Everything God had spoken came to pass.

Many of us can look back and see the same thing in our own lives and in the life of our church. From humble beginnings to seasons where the path was uncertain, God has faithfully guided, provided, and sustained us.

Sometimes the fulfillment of God’s promises comes through seasons of waiting or testing. Jeremiah 29 reminds us that even while Israel was in exile, God still had good plans for their future. The promise was certain—even if the process was difficult.

Psalm 34:19 tells us: “The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue every time.”

Trials are often part of the journey toward the promise.

Peter reminds us in 2 Peter 1:3-8 that God has already given us everything we need for life and godliness, along with great and precious promises. Our response is to grow spiritually—adding faith, character, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, and love.

Just as vitamins strengthen the body, these spiritual qualities strengthen our faith as we walk in God’s promises.

What we learn through every season is this:

God is faithful. He has never failed to keep even one promise—and He never will.

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Discussion Questions

1. Remembering God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 145 encourages us to talk about God’s works and share testimonies.

Question:
Why is it important for believers to regularly remember and share what God has done?

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2. Looking Back at God’s Promises

Joshua said that not one promise God made failed.

Question:
Can you share a time when you saw God answer a prayer or fulfill a promise in your life?

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3. Trusting God During the Process

Jeremiah 29 reminds us that the promise came during a difficult season of exile.

Question:
Why do you think God sometimes allows trials before the promise is fulfilled?

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4. Trusting Beyond Understanding

Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to trust the Lord and not lean on our own understanding.

Question:
What are some practical ways we can trust God when things don’t make sense?

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5. Growing While We Wait

Peter tells us to supplement our faith with spiritual growth.

Question:
Which of these qualities do you feel God is developing most in your life right now?
•Moral excellence
•Knowledge
•Self-control
•Patient endurance
•Godliness
•Brotherly affection
•Love

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Application

This week:

1. Reflect
Take time to remember and thank God for specific ways He has been faithful in your life.

2. Write a Promise
Choose one promise from Scripture and meditate on it throughout the week.

3. Share a Testimony
Encourage someone by sharing how God has been faithful to you.

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Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You that You are faithful and that not one of Your promises has ever failed. Help us trust You even when the path is difficult or unclear. Strengthen our faith, develop Christlike character in us, and remind us daily of Your goodness. May we always proclaim Your greatness and share the story of Your faithfulness with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.