Abraham’s hope – 14 August 2020

Abraham had hope even when there seemed to be no reason for hope. God had promised him a son, and from that son’s family would come a great nation. They would be so many that, like the stars in the sky, it would be impossible to count them (Genesis 15:4-5).

But time ticked on, Abraham became an old man, his wife Sarah became an old woman, and still God had not carried out his promise to him. Sarah even laughed when God repeated his promise to Abraham.

Despite this, Abraham chose to believe God and waited for God to carry out his promise. When Abraham was 100 years old, his wife Sarah gave birth to their son, Isaac (Genesis 21:1-5). The birth of Isaac brought great joy to Abraham and Sarah; but it was just the beginning of God’s promises to him. Most of the things that God promised to Abraham would not happen during Abraham’s life (Hebrews 11:13). Abraham was aware of that fact (Genesis 15:13-16), but he still continued to believe and to trust God.

We can believe our circumstances, or we can believe God.

Abraham and Sarah’s long years of disappointment at not being able to have a child ended as the joy of welcoming their son Isaac filled their hearts. God had indeed brought laughter and hope, the beginning of the fulfillment of his promise to make them a great nation (Genesis 12:2).

Prayer: Father, sometimes our hope seems so far-fetched that we struggle to believe in your promises. Forgive me for doubting that you are able to do all you have promised. Amen