How long do you hold on to a promise? How long before it begins to seem hopeless? How long does it take before your own ability to believe it fades away?
God had promised Abram a son through his wife. Abram was 86 when Ishmael was born to his slave girl, Hagar, and yet when he turned 99, his wife Sarai still was barren. Do the math. That’s 13 years.
Thirteen years during which even he lost his capacity to father children. Thirteen years of hoping for God’s promise to be fulfilled. Thirteen long years — enough for God’s promise to die in his heart.
But then God spoke, “I am God Almighty.” The lesson is clear. God’s promises do not depend on our capacity to believe them but on His power to fulfill them. Abram fell on his face, listened, and believed.
God’s promises to us may stretch into years before it happens, so it seems increasingly unlikely — impossible even — to happen. But the promise depends only on God’s timing, not ours.
The great promise of Jesus, “I will prepare a place for you” (John 14:2) is exactly like this, and just as sure. He will do it. He has the power, and He has made His intention clear.
God’s commitments — His promises — can anchor your whole life. They are sure and certain. Wait for them, and you will never be disappointed. Fall on your face and believe.
“Lord, I want my life to be anchored to what you have said, what you have promised, what you will surely do. Amen.
Go Deeper — Direction Check. Think of your life as a whole and going in a direction. What is the most important influence on that direction?
Photo Credit: james ballard