Who's in Charge Here?

Hagar has come home and given birth to Abram’s first son, Ishmael (God hears).

Thirteen years go by. Abram is now 99 years old and the Lord appears to him, repeating the promise of many descendants and giving the covenant of circumcision.

In addition, there are new names for both Abram and his wife:

And how did Abraham respond to all of these promises, commands and changes?

I see Abraham’s point!

God’s timing is DEFINITELY not ours and I’ve certainly offered plenty of my own “suggestions” during times when I questioned God’s plan, His timing… or both.

Why is it we always have so many ideas?

The thing about Abraham’s idea… God didn’t need any help fulfilling His promise. Abraham’s age, Sarah’s age, her 98 year history of infertility… none of these things nor any other “problem” were problems for God.

By the way, He’s never needed any of my assistance, either.

That said, it makes perfect sense that Abraham would desire a blessing for his already born son, and I love that Abraham is bold about asking for what he wants. We should be, too!

The great thing is that when it comes to blessings, God doesn’t have to ration them. With Him, they are never in short supply, so there are always more than enough to go around!

What a blessing for Abraham, for Ishmael… for you and me… that God is as compassionate as He is omnipotent.

So Abraham, at 99 years old, has a new name, a new baby coming in about a year, and a new covenant:

Uh oh! I want to think that if I’d been in Abraham’s shoes, I’d have done what God commanded, but I’m afraid I’d have put this one off as long as possible. Not Abraham!

That very day, 99 year old Abraham was circumcised along with his 13 year old son and every male belonging to his household. I have no idea how many men and boys were involved, but what a relief it must have been when that day was over!

I admire Abraham for his example not just of obedience but the wholehearted, unreserved kind he demonstrates in not dragging his feet about doing what God asked.

This isn’t the first time he’s done something that couldn’t have been easy; he’s already left home behind (twice in fact) and gone off to start a new life. And it won’t be the last. But we’ll save that for another day…

Until then, in the midst of uncertain times when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by so many things outside of our power, remember that nothing is outside God’s.

Be bold about asking Him for what you want and need.

Blessings until next time, Kim