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 …
God desires that we choose integrity rather than deception. Proverbs 12: 22 The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth.[1] Abraham had been on a faith journey since God called him out of Ur. Leaving what he knew had to be difficult and dangerous. From the beginning of the call, …
Struggling to trust God is an experience you may have encountered. Throughout the Bible, God provides examples of individuals who grappled with trusting Him, including Abraham. This does not diminish their struggles but illustrates how much we depend on God’s strength to trust Him. In many ways, life is a test, and when we fail, it …
Struggling with fear that clouds judgment is not uncommon. Although God intended the emotion of fear to protect us, it can also become exaggerated. When this happens, it leads us to make poor decisions, as characterized by Abraham. In the quiet hours of the early morning, Abimelech, King of Gerar, awoke from a dream that …
We see how God gives revelation through dreams. Genesis 20: 3 But that night God came to Abimelech in a dream and told him, “You are a dead man, for that woman you have taken is already married!” 4 But Abimelech had not slept with her yet, so he said, “Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? …