Craig Cooney: When God's Promises Aren't Your Reality
Jul 13, 2025
I believe God keeps His Word. His promises never fail. Yet, there have been many times in my life when I didn't see what God has speaking, when my current reality didn't correlate with the prophecies spoken over me, and when it seemed like everyone else was experiencing blessing and favor except me. Can you relate? It can be discouraging and difficult feeling like God has forgotten about you. Below are some important truths to keep in mind when we're struggling. What If You're Not Seeing God's Promises or Prophetic Words Fulfilled? 1. Stay faithful where you are. God rewards faithfulness in the small things. David was responsible in obscurity in looking after his dad's sheep and fighting off the lion and bear. That prepared him to confront Goliath. In the middle of the mundane, little things matter to God more than you realize. 2. Keep moving towards the dream. Don't assume that God has changed His mind or make rash or foolish decisions that take you off track.? And don't allow negative voices to dissuade you from what God has said. 3. Take opportunities. Take every opportunity to serve and develop your gift. Doors may open that don't look very attractive, but they are part of God's preparation to get you where He wants you to be.? ?
4. Remind yourself of the promises. Keep going back to what God has said. Reread prophetic words. Speak and decree His truth over your life. 5. Push doors. It's okay to initiate conversations and knock on some doors, but don't kick them down! Don't force what God hasn't endorsed.? That's how you birth an Ishmael. (Photo via Unsplash) 6. Get really honest. Ask yourself, "Is there anything in me that is holding me back?" Sometimes God is ready but we are not. There may be habits, relationships, or sin in our lives that are keeping us stuck. If God were to advance us, our character would not be able to sustain what He has for us.? 7. Check back in with God. Ask, "Is this definitely what You said?" Again, get really honest. How clear was the promise/word from God in the first place? Was it something you just thought of yourself? Was it wishful thinking? Or was it confirmed as a genuine word from God? 8. Prepare. Ask, "What can I do now to start preparing for then?" Is there something you can study, somewhere you can serve, a ministry you can connect to, a course you can take, or a skill you can learn? Don't sit around doing nothing while you are waiting.? 9. Understand that delay is not the same as process. In process, God is getting you ready. In delay, there's probably some sort of obstacle or opposition standing in your way.?
11. Get around prophetic voices. Place yourself in environments where the prophetic is flowing. I am intentional in getting around prophets with a proven track record when I need to hear from God on a particular matter. 12. Be open to God fulfilling His promise in a different way—the new picture or expectation. In 2017, we were absolutely convinced we would be asked to lead a particular church. They went with someone else. A few months later, we were contacted by the church we've been leading for almost eight years. It wasn't how I pictured it. But I knew we were in the right place. Don't get so locked in on how you think things should be done that you miss what He's actually doing.? 13. Don't expect a promotion if you're violating God's principles. Honor, generosity, gratitude, faith, sowing, etc. are all laws in the Kingdom. If you disregard the foundational principles of the Kingdom, it's difficult to advance. 14. Keep looking back at God's faithfulness in your life. I'm genuinely overwhelmed when I reflect on my life, even the lowest points, and I see how God was at work. At the time it was painful, it was messy, and it was confusing. But He was right there in the middle of it. And I remind myself today, whatever I'm facing, He is faithful.
Whatever you do, don't miss another ELIJAH LIST email! Subscribe at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.
Craig Cooney Craig Cooney has been in ordained ministry for over fifteen years, leading churches in the north and south of Ireland. He is married to Becky, and they have a son named Elijah, as well as a labradoodle puppy named Henry. Craig is the author of four books: "The Tension of Transition," "SPIRIT SPEAK," "I Hear Yahweh," and "When the Lamb Roars." His passion is to help Believers to hear God's voice for themselves and apply God's wisdom as they navigate through the transitions of life.
To receive more words like this in YOUR inbox, subscribe FREE to the Elijah List at this link: elijahlist.com/subscribe.
Thank you for making the always-free "ElijahStreams" possible. To partner with us, click here. Your donations truly help us keep these emails free for you. Donate at: Find us on:
|
I've found that often the doors that God leads me through look unappealing from the outside. Yet once I step through in faith and obedience, I can't imagine being anywhere else.
10. Don't compare yourself to others. I was thirty-four when I met my wife. Most of my friends were already married in their twenties. It's difficult to see people advancing when you seem to be standing still, but comparison rarely helps. Your calling and God's timeline with you are unique. (Photo via Unsplash)
