by Rich Carlson

There are two actions I can take that will result in three things God has promised. As Peter and John continued in their mission to point people toward Jesus, they had some very specific things to say to an attentive crowd who had just witnessed a miracle.  

Acts 3:19-20 says, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus." 

The two things that I can do are to: 1. repent; 2. turn to God. If I do those two things, God has promised He will wipe out my sins; He will refresh me spiritually; and He will send His Son, Jesus. 

In context, it looks like promise number three is talking about the second coming of Christ. So the sequence to my tasks is a reminder of how inclusive God’s promises are. If I repent  and I change my path toward Jesus, then:
1.    His initial response is the complete eradication of my sins. I have instant forgiveness, full and complete. 
2.    While in my forgiven state I have to face life and the curves and bumps it can send me. But I will be refreshed by Him. The prefix "re" is like "repeating," so here is an initial promise of forgiveness, followed by a "repeating promise" of being refreshed, over and over—as often as I need it, while I wait for the ultimate promise. 

The ultimate promise is the guarantee of Jesus' return. He'll take care of me immediately, throughout life, and forever. All I have to do is follow Him and ask for His gifts. Today, try not to be discouraged by this world, but discover the promises from God when you turn your life toward Him.

Rich Carlson is campus chaplain at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. "God is Faithful" is adapted from the email devotionals he writes regularly for the Union College family. Rich enjoys filling his life with God, his family, and especially his five grandchildren.