God is Faithful!

             When I read the beginning of Abraham and Sarah’s story in Genesis 12, I can’t help but wonder what she was thinking when Abraham told her they were moving to a land God would show them (Genesis 12: 1).  Those who have traveled with me know that I like to know exactly where we are going, how we are getting there, and what to expect when we arrive.  We don’t know what Sarah thought but she went along with Abraham.  Of course, there was the promise of great blessings so maybe that was enough to quiet her curiosity.

            While much of God’s conversation was with Abraham, in chapter 17, God included Sarah in the promise.  He announced that “she will be the mother of nations, kings of people will come from her” (Genesis 17: 16b NIV84).  At a time when women were considered little more than property, God elevated Sarah to a position of respect and honor, choosing her as a crucial part of His plan.  What a blessing for her.

            Still, both Abraham and Sarah thought God’s plan was absurd.  After all, Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90.  They thought the plan was so outrageous that they each laughed at God’s announcement.  As they questioned God’s ability, He was undeterred.  His response to Abraham was “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18: 14a NIV84). 

            The answer is obvious, nothing is too hard for God.  Yet, we are much like Abraham and Sarah.  When confronted with overwhelming problems or challenges, we may pray but are they prayers of conviction?  Do we believe that God can handle whatever comes our way?  Do we trust that He is in control?  Do we let go and let God?  Abraham and Sarah saw God’s faithfulness.  When we leave it in His hands, He will be faithful in our lives as well.

            Unfortunately, type-A personality Sarah was impatient.  I can relate.  As the years went by and she and Abraham grew even older, she decided that God needed help with His plan.  The result was the union between Abraham and Hagar that produced a son named Ishmael.  God made it clear that Ishmael would not be the son of the “promise” and ultimately the rivalry between Ishmael and Isaac led to the division that continues to this day.

            It’s easy to condemn Sarah for her impatience, but how often do we exhibit that same kind of impatience?  We are quick to say “God’s timing is perfect” but we are even quicker to take matters into our own hands when He doesn’t answer soon enough.  God won’t stop us from acting in our impatience but thankfully, He will redeem our mistakes if we let Him.  Faith and trust are crucial to our walk with God.

            God has a plan, and He will see it to fruition.  He also has a plan for us.  It may require us to step out into the unknown and trust that He can do all that He has promised.  It may also require us to wait patiently, allowing Him to work in His time.  God is faithful and we can rest in His promises.  We must learn to trust and wait on the Lord!

Genesis 17: 15 – 19; 18: 10 - 15

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