“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?”
(Genesis 17:17, NLT)
My daily reading brings me to this familiar story of Abraham.
At the ripe (and quite ripe!), old age of 100 he has been promised a son. An heir. And Scripture very transparently tells us his laughter was due to disbelief.
God was reiterating a promise already given and the promise still seemed impossible. Unbelievable.
Abraham and Sarah had already taken things into their own hands in an effort to help God’s promise along, resulting in Ishmael, a son born to Sarah’s handmaid. It was a grave mistake to think that God could not do what He has promised.
And yet, I am no different than Abraham.
How often do I take matters into my own hands and come to believe it is God’s will or purposes when it is not?
Abraham begins to see that God is serious – he and Sarah will, in fact, birth a son. God realigns Abraham by confirming His plan and repeating His promise to him.
I love what occurs next …
“On that very day, Abraham took his son, Ishmael,and every male in his household, including those born there and those he had brought … and did just as God had told him.” (verse 23, NLT)
Abraham had learned his lesson the hard way. God’s mercy and grace resulted in instant obedience this time.
There are times we each may stray from God’s plan for our lives and attempt to do His will in our own way and in our own time. But God, our God is always faithful to realign our wills to His. It is His plans that will prevail in our lives.
May we trust Him and not doubt but hold onto the promise.
“May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together – spirit, soul, and body – and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ. The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he’ll do it!”
(1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, MSG)
Today I am joining … Thought Provoking Thursday and Grace Moments and #ChasingCommunity .
May the Lord realign my will to His each time I go astray; I’m so glad He is faithful!
I like your photo. It makes me think of the verse that says that Heaven is His throne, and the earth is His footstool. I can imagine Him in His hugeness enjoying having His feet in the sand, and reaching over to pick up His child who is wandering in the wilderness, holding her tight, and reminding her to set her affections on things above not on things on the earth. I love that lapiz lazuli blue color!
Ruth, I am so glad the photo brought the same thoughts to you as it did to me. So glad you shared!
Ya know, I bet God put that story in the Bible for everyone who’s had the same lack of faith at times. (Which is pretty much–everyone, right?!) š Love how He puts His faithfulness on display and does something that can only be done by His hand. How sweet the household of Abraham and Sarah must have been during those days of newborn awe. š — Thanks for this reminder, Joanne, and thanks for sharing with #ChasingCommunity today! xoxo
OH, I know that story is there for me! How precious that He chose to record these acts of faithfulness for us to encourage us to keep on being faithful! It has been good to join you and make a new friend!
I am just like Abraham too! I think I know a better way, a quicker way, but it gets me in trouble more often than not. I want to listen and be led better!
Lovely post!
#GraceMoments
Me too, Julie. Now to remember that His ways and thoughts are not like ours and be led. Here’s to better listening!
Joanne, I agree that I often take matters into my own hands, then get frustrated with God. If I will learn to wait on His perfect timing, I’ll have more peace. Your neighbor at #gracemoments.
It’s so true, isn’t it, Sarah. But here’s the encouraging thing … we’re learning š May you have a wonderful weekend!
Whenever I take things into my own hands I hear a gentle admonition from a friend whispered into my ear years ago… ” Don’t make an Ishmael”. š She and I studied together when our kids were young, devouring God’s Word together. We’ve lived a lot of life together, and have that space we can speak into one another’s life… especially when we see each other moving into something we shouldn’t. š
Thanks for sharing this!
Blessings Joanne!
Dawn