When the Lord spoke to Abram, he received covenant promises of God’s unchanging faithfulness. God had promised Abram an heir, but as he and Sarai grew older, having the child of the promise seemed impossible. During this time of doubt, God reminded Abram of His faithfulness. Genesis 17:2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” 3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations![1]
God reminded Abram of the covenant, an agreement that He had not forgotten. After 25 years, although Abram may have forgotten, God had not. In Genesis 13:16, the Lord told Abram his descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth, and in Genesis 15:5, He compares them to the stars. These analogies indicate that Abram will have an earthly family, referred to as Jews, and a spiritual family of believers in Jesus.
Growing in Faith is a Process
The Bible tells of people with great faith, but we often believe we can’t be like them. We forget they didn’t always act that way. Peter denied Jesus, Jonah ran from God, and Abram had a child with his maidservant Hagar when God’s plan unfolded too slowly. Abram was becoming a great man of faith, but a great man of faith isn’t made overnight.
Sometimes God places dreams and goals in our hearts immediately. However, He often makes us wait. During this waiting, we might wonder what God is doing or ask, “Did I really hear from God?” We may ask “God, what is taking you so long?”
Abram and Sarai waited twenty-five years before their son Isaac was born. During that time, God was molding Abram in ways he did not realize. He does the same for us. I’ve found that God prepares us for His promise in these times. He teaches us and grows our character, faith, and ability to fulfill our calling. God’s question to us is, “Will you trust the process?”
God’s Unchanging Faithfulness
Today, God still blesses us with His faithfulness. I often feel overwhelmed and unsure of myself during life’s trials and challenges. Yet, God’s faithfulness has shone brightest in my life during these difficult times, offering me comfort and hope. Perhaps you are experiencing this today.
As we journey through life, remember His faithfulness is unchanging, unwavering, and everlasting. May you find comfort and hope in knowing that He guides, strengthens, and loves you always. He renews His love and mercy daily, giving us hope and strength. Psalm 36:5 Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds. [2]
To learn more about covenant promises of God’s unchanging faithfulness, 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 17:2–4). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ps 36:5). Tyndale House Publishers.