Twenty five years had passed from the time that God had first made His covenant with Abraham. Abraham’s faith had waxed and waned; though his heart yearned for God. God with great patience, mercy and grace had proven to be faithful to Abraham and had guided his every step. God had walked with Abraham, spoke with Abraham, had sent signs, and had been ever faithful. Then the time was right—God’s timing. Genesis 21: 1 “And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.”
used by courtesy of @istock
How incredible must have been Abraham’s joy when Isaac was born. Think about this. Could Abraham have felt the same marvel 25 years prior? If Sarah had born Isaac 25 years prior, there would have been joy; but nothing to compare to the joy that came now. God might have been glorified; but not nearly as much as now when it required a miracle of God for Isaac to be born.
God was calling out a people to be His chosen from whom He would one day send His son to be the redeemer and it was necessary that the lineage begin with an event so great that all would know that God was the most High Almighty God who was their nourishment and their provision and that knowledge be carried forward through the generations.
Is there some promise of God that you are still waiting for the answer? You wonder if the problem is your own lack of faith at moments. You stumble along at times; wondering if God could ever use such a one as you. Yet, step by step;
inch by inch God has repeatedly shown you glimpses of His Glory. He has reached down and displayed His miracles upon you—many times with the miracle arriving one minute before midnight. Still that one thing has yet to be fulfilled. When you read the story of Abraham it should revive that hope; then, you say—but Abraham had more faith and that was why God blessed him. Then, my friend, you didn’t read very closely. After all the moments of great faith and after all that God had done to demonstrate Himself to Abraham, in chapter 20 (right before God fulfilled the promise) Abraham had fallen into the same fear as had occurred near the beginning and once more lied, telling a King that Sarah was his sister. God remained faithful to His promise and Isaac was born. Don’t get me wrong, this is a matter of the heart. Abraham’s heart yearned to follow God. God had to brush away all the chaff that was within Abraham. There had to be no self pride. God had taken on the task of preparing Abraham to receive this great gift.
I have told you many times the bits and parts of my story. I have told you of a God who loved me many times when my heart was filled with fear that I could never be “good enough” for His love. Each step of the way and through many journeys; God had led me closer and closer to Him. I cannot imagine my life without His awakening me sometimes at 2 am to answer the question I had laid at His feet as I went to sleep. I cannot imagine not laying in bed when I first awake, talking with Him about the day. There are moments in which I have no idea what tomorrow brings and my heart would want to fear; but, then He miraculously answers a prayer—just enough to remind me that He IS MY PROVIDER. Seven years ago, He called me out to be a speaker for Him. He has steadily prepared me—sent me to the courses, gave me this wonderful website, and guided me to write the books. I have spoken in the jail ministry, relying on Him for each message. I spoke for some women’s ministries in small churches and spoke at the nursing homes. Last year with great meticulous detail, God called me to move to Missouri. He has not yet revealed all that He has planned; but I know He has something incredible planned. Does that mean I believe there will be no trials, no heart aches, no moments of doubt or wonder? Certainly not, indeed; the trials may increase. But this I have learned, I can trust God through the darkest valleys; because of His covenant love for me which demonstrates
1. God’s Covenant Plan of Redemption by Grace through faith
2. God’s Covenant of His Own Faithfulness
Listen to this song to warm your heart today. Oh, God of Abraham by Dan Moen
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”