Recently, while looking for some cash for a ‘romantic’ ice cream date with Janet, I (Perry) discovered an unused gift card worth $50 for a local movie theatre in my wallet. Somebody loved us enough to not only encourage a great night out together but then graciously backed it up with a gift card that had expired. A stinging regret washed over me upon realizing that I had missed out as one of the millions who had forgotten to redeem 5 billion dollars of unused gift cards in 2019. In fact, NPR estimates $41 billion have gone unredeemed in recent years.

Each of God’s promises is like a gift card graciously given in His “unfailing love and faithfulness” and “backed by all the honor of His name” (Ps 138:2 NLT). These gift cards do not expire as “the Lord always keeps His promises and is gracious in all He does” (Ps 145:13). So we can be “fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises” (Rom 4:21) because “all of God promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding ‘Yes!’” (2Cor 1:20).

Here are a few of God’s gracious gift card promises we have forgotten in our wallets. Let’s redeem them during these hard, confusing and frustrating times! Let them thrill your heart anew and afresh!

  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Ps 46:1)

  • “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” (Is 40:29)

  • “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and

    help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Is 41:10)

  • “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,

    and it will be given to you.” (Jam 1:5)

  • “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall

    not perish but have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16)

  • “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be

    with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9)

  • “The Lord is forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to Him.” (Ps 86:5)

  • “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,

    present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard

    your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

  • “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you

    be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that

    you may be able to endure it.” (1Cor 10:13)

  • “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have

    tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

So, what’s in your wallet?