Genesis 17:1-5 (NKJV) When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
Sometimes it is good to study the life of Bible characters who went through tremendous challenges even though they heard very clearly from God. One thing that the Lord has been very gracious to us is to reveal to us that many of the major characters in the Bible struggled with their walk of faith despite of hearing from God.
Abraham was called out of the land of Ur to a land that God would show him. God told him that he would have a great name and a nation will be established through him. God also told him that he will be blessed, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him. There are quite a few promises in this calling and all of them were impossible for Abraham to make it happen on his own ability. Basically, God gave him a vision of how his life would be like and Abraham would definitely need God in order to fulfil the vision. Abraham was 75 years old when he received this calling and vision from God.
Abraham was struggling to believe God that he would truly be the father of many nations since he was old in age and had just compromised to have the maid to give birth to Ishmael. All of us will struggle to believe God or to walk in faith because we are used to looking at the natural circumstances. The situation that we are facing normally will be speaking to us and to discourage us from walking in faith. Abram is his time of weakness succumbed to Sara’s suggestion to have the maid’s help instead. Sometimes, we have a tendency to help God, move things faster rather than believe the Word or promise of God for our lives.
All of us will need an assurance from God especially when it is something that requires faith. In fact, faith is always required when God calls us to do something for Him. It requires us to leave our comfort zone. God will meet us at our level and assure us with His word.
God established a covenant with Abraham and reminded him that He is Almighty God or El Shaddai. The name Shaddai conveys the truth that He is omnipotent and also that He is sufficient. He is God Almighty, the ever-present God, who protects and provides, and presents Himself as the One who makes a covenant with a human being named Abraham. Therefore, He was able to bring to pass whatever He had promised Abraham.
God was in control. He is also in control of our lives and callings. Let us open our hearts for Him and believe that He can do the same deeds for us just as He did for Abraham. God’s covenant never changes.
Sermon series: Meditating on the Names of God (8)