Is God Always Faithful?
June 20, 2023
Is God Always Faithful?
By Brooke Holt
“The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him.” Genesis 21:1-2
Can you imagine the shock and joy in the place where Isaac was delivered? Surely Sarah was the oldest woman to have given birth in that day. A fully menopausal woman conceived, carried a son in her womb, and delivered a healthy baby. In accordance with God’s promise, Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah and joy, laughter, and celebration abounded as they marveled at what God had done.
Unlike people, the Lord never forgets his promises and never fails to fulfill them. As we read yesterday, the Lord often does not work according to our plans or according to our timing. Nevertheless, he is always working out his plan in his time. Thankfully, his ways are higher than our ways, and his timing is always perfect!
Despite Abraham and Sarah’s laughter, God blessed them with a son, Isaac, whose name means “he laughs”. God overcame their doubts and their laughter. Isn’t God amazing? He overcomes the frailty of his people and works miracles.
For years prior to Isaac’s birth, Abraham and Sarah tried to figure out God’s plan; they sought to fulfill the plan for the Lord by sending Abraham into Hagar’s tent. In trying to work the plan of God without the hand of God, Abraham and Sarah created a mess. Discord filled Abraham’s home as Hagar resented Sarah when Hagar found out Sarah had conceived.
Yet, in God’s redemptive plan, he took their mess and provided the faithful way forward for each of them – Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac. Isaac was the promised child and the fulfillment of God’s covenant to Abraham, but God would also work in and through Ishmael. God spoke to Abraham, “As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes and I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year” (Genesis 17:20-21).
Trustworthy and faithful to his word, God never changes. Today, he remains trustworthy and faithful even when he does not work according to your plan and timing.
Do you have times when you get impatient with the Lord? Times you try to jump ahead of him and to work out his plan for your life? The Lord hears your prayers, understands your impatience, and has compassion for your distress. He is good, and his plans are good for you. Hang in there, wait, and watch him work his miracle in your life!
Reflection:
What would it look like for you to surrender your plans, desires, and timing to the Lord today? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Recommended Resource:
Follow the ancient way of the Psalms and find the life God has for you. A model for vibrant worship, the Psalms provide practical wisdom to traverse the circuitous path of life with trust and hope. Pilgrim’s Path: A Study of the Psalms traces our spiritual walk with God—from discovery and delight, through doubt and disappointment, into joyful confidence. Whether used for individual or group study, Pilgrim’s Path is for everyone who seeks to know and love God more and find life in him.
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