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In today’s study we are focused on the story of Abraham and Sarah and the faith they had during 30 years of waiting for a son. A son they had been promised by the Lord, but did not receive for a good long while.
Verses for Today:
Genesis 12:1-4
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he left Haran.
Genesis 15 – feel free to read the entire chapter. I have included vs. 4-5 here.
Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”
Genesis 17: 15-18, 21
Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, your wife—her name will no longer be Sarai. From now on her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and give you a son from her! Yes, I will bless her richly, and she will become the mother of many nations. Kings of nations will be among her descendants.”
Then Abraham bowed down to the ground, but he laughed to himself in disbelief. “How could I become a father at the age of 100?” he thought. “And how can Sarah have a baby when she is ninety years old?” So Abraham said to God, “May Ishmael live under your special blessing!”
But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah about this time next year.”
Genesis 21:1-7
The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age.
What is impossible?
Have you ever wanted something so badly, but you knew it was not feasible – or maybe near impossible. You prayed almost half-heartedly about it. You hoped for something, but really didn’t expect God to show up and change anything.
That is how Sarah was. She prayed for a child. God even told Abraham… you will have a child. But what did Sarah do – she took matters into her own hands and gave her servant to Abraham and they had a child.
We are all tempted to put God in this feasible, small, short-sighted box. But God breaks all of our boxes and all of our pre-conceived notions. Especially when we don’t see change. Abraham and Sarah were promised a child, but they were 75. Then 10 years passed. So they begin to question God. God showed up and spoke to them and they had renewed strength in the waiting. But then another 14 years, 20 years, 24 years went by.
I cannot imagine praying for something for 24 years and having faith. In fact, if I was in Abraham’s position – I’m not sure I would have faith? At this point he is over 100 years old, it’s impossible, God you have forgotten about me.
What impossibilities are you faced with currently? What are you waiting on?
- Have you walked away from God? Do you talk to Him daily?
- Maybe you have rejected Him and are enjoying a worldly life.
- Is work getting worse and God just isn’t showing up?
- Are you facing another year of chronic pain or sickness and just needing God to heal you?
How long have you been praying for God. How long have you been praying? 2, 10, 14, 20 years? Are you doubting whether God can really be faithful and answer your prayers?
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. . . . If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 14:13; 15:7)
Whatever you are facing or waiting for… Genesis 18:14 tells us that Nothing is too hard for God. He is giving us opportunity after opportunity to glorify Him through believing. Abraham and Sarah did have a son, his name was Isaac. And Jesus, the One we are waiting on… came directly from His lineage. God had big plans for Abraham, but He had to wait.
If you knew that God’s plans would completely devour any small man made plans… you would be blessed in the waiting.
would you wait?
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