God's promises don't fail; even if I fail to believe them - Romans 9-11

In this section we have some of the deepest and strongest theology in all the Bible. The subject of God choosing some to be saved and some for destruction is a great mystery to us (Romans 11:25). I would not attempt to explain or solve the mystery in a 300 word devotional. I remember years ago talking to someone about the subject and asking them what they thought of this section, especially chapter eleven. His statement was honest and blunt (and, I think how most people probably handle the issue); he said, "I try not to read chapter eleven. I have a very hard time believing it is ture." That would be funny if it weren't so seriously wrong. But, it simply illustrates what Paul is saying in chapters nine and ten. In 9:1-5 we read that Israel had rejected God's word and therefore were rejected (although he goes on to say a remnant will be saved). We might think, since they did not believe, something was wrong with the promises of God ... they failed to convince them to believe. However, in 9:6 Paul writes: "But it is not as though the word of God has failed ...". God's word (His promises) don't fail simply because we refuse to consider them, read them, ignore them or don't trust them. You can stick your head in the sand all you want but God's Word is still true and still strong and still the avenue to faith (10:17). My friend can "not read" a section of the promises all he wants. It still stands as God's Word. God has given us His promises and we gain more faith the more we believe them, despite their logic or their ability to fit into our finite minds. God's promises are real and stay true even when we fail to believe them. And that is something to praise God about.