When our faith is tested, it can be a confusing time. Why would God test us? God, of course, knows all, but we have blind spots. We won’t know where we are spiritually unless God tests us. God knows each of us and designs the tests in a way that will help us grow. Abraham …
God works through sinners, revealing His patience and compassion. Have you ever felt unworthy when God used you in some way during your Christian life? If so, you are not alone! God doesn’t need our help in the world, but He chooses to work with us nonetheless. This can be puzzling to some until they …
Hagar and Ishmael experienced God’s provision during desperation. Abraham had sent them away because Ishmael had become a threat to Isaac. While Abraham had sent some provisions, they were gone, and their situation was life-threatening. Genesis 21: 17 But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s …
God responds to our cries because He loves and cares for us. Psalm 145:18 The Lord is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. 6 Perhaps there was a significant time in your life when you cried out to the Lord, or you might be experiencing …
Earlier, Sarah and Abraham had lacked trust in God’s plan. Since Sarah had not become pregnant, she had her maid act as a surrogate for her. Ishmael was born as a result of that decision. Now, they were experiencing the consequences. Genesis 21: 9 But Sarah saw Ishmael—the son of Abraham and her Egyptian servant Hagar—making …
Navigating life’s trials can present significant challenges, but they can also offer growth opportunities. Perhaps you are currently in the middle of a trial or have experienced one in the past. There is something about trials that alters our perspective in ways we cannot fully understand otherwise. My sister’s family faced a time of great …
We can see laughter in God’s timing of Isaac’s birth. God had promised Abraham would have many descendants. When no child came for years, Sarah had her maid be a surrogate mother. Yet, that was not God’s will, and God promised Sarah would have a child. Genesis 17: 15 Then God said to Abraham, “Regarding Sarai, …
God is faithful. This is a cornerstone of His nature, offering comfort to every believer. I remember ministering to a man in the later part of his life who had deep peace about his eternal future. This peace stemmed from his relationship with the Lord and assurance that God would keep His promises to those …
The wonderful truth that God moves our hearts to pray is revealed in Scripture. Philippians 2:13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.8 This implies that God is actively involved in shaping our desires, including prompting us to seek His will in prayer. Considering such matters …
God’s plan unfolds despite human deceit. God had given Abraham the promise of many descendants. Sarah was to be the mother of these descendants, who would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. However, when Abraham claimed Sarah as his sister rather than his wife, Abimelech took her into his harem. This put …