Genesis 17:1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.[1] Imagine yourself in the sandals of Abram as you hear these words from the Lord. When Abram was 75, God called him out of Haran. God promised to bless all families through him.
Later, in Genesis 13, God revealed to him that his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth. As Abram grew older, he doubted having a son, but God reiterated in Genesis 15 that he would have his own son. With no child on the horizon, God made Abram a promise that would demonstrate His power. Genesis 17:2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” [2]
God is All Sufficient
At a time when Abram might have felt that his dreams of offspring were fading with age, God appears with a powerful declaration: “I am El Shaddai.” This name signifies God Almighty, the all-sufficient One who can provide and bless beyond human limitations. The chances of Abram and Sarai having a child at an advanced age seemed unlikely, but God can make all things possible.
Sometimes, the Lord brings us to the point where we realize we can’t do it, so when He breaks in, we understand it is His strength and not ours. Consider areas in your life where you feel limited or where your hopes seem distant. Remember, as believers in Jesus, we serve God Almighty, whose power knows no bounds. As we look up to God, our circumstances may not change, but our focus shifts from ourselves to God. Everything seems to change when we begin to rely on God’s strength.
Nothing is Too Hard for God
Nothing is too hard for God. Let this truth settle in your heart; it is a fantastic thought. The evidence of this truth is always present, both visibly and invisibly. The air we breathe, the sun warming the earth, and unseen galaxies are all created by God’s power. His first recorded words, “Let there be light,” began a profound relationship with His people. Why is it hard to believe that God is all-powerful?
We often take His power for granted in many ways. Breath, gravity, the earth’s rotation, and waking up are gifts from Him. How frequently do we thank God for these gifts? Yet we worry about life’s details. Paying our bills, relationships, and occupations can lead to anxiety and despair. We must practice remembering God’s character and His mighty works. We will always have reasons to praise and trust Him.
This is not an automatic reaction to stress. Initially, it is a spiritual discipline that can be nurtured. When doubts arise, and outside pressures seem stronger than faith, turn to God’s word, which is a light to our path. Remember, when we are weak, He is strong, God Almighty. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/covenant-gods-promise-of-faithfulness
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 17:1). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 17:2). Tyndale House Publishers.