Bible Chapter: Genesis 17
Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.
1. Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.A new covenant and new names. That is what we find here. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham. He went from “exalted father” to “father of a multitude”. This old man still had a future. Sarai became Sarah. She went from “princess” to “a mother of nations”. She only thought she was too old to have a son. There is a real sense of significance and a step of faith to see a ninety nine year old man and a ninety year old woman who had no children begin to call themselves parents of a multitude. But, Abraham knew that he had heard from God and God made a promise. So, they went by faith and trusted that God would come through.
God promised them that they would have a massive line of descendants that would be like the stars of the sky and the sand of the sea. Even though they had to wait for a very long time, it happened. Abraham lived a life of trusting God and seeing God come through, in HIS timing. God’s timing is often not what we would like, but it is always right.
2. What can I apply in my life from the reading?
Learning to trust God. Abraham spent decades learning to trust in God. He had a few down times when he doubted. We see one of them here when he laughed at what God promised. But, he lived an amazingly faithful life. As I have rambled through life I see the importance of faithfulness to God, of faithfulness to do what God had commanded. When a person knows they are hearing from God, obedience is critical. There will always be doubters who try to cause you to stray. It is important to do what God had directed and let Him take care of the results. Let God give the dreams and bring them to fulfilment.
3. How can I help someone?
I want to help people see the blessings of hearing from God and obeying. It’s not just a matter of deciding to do something, it’s a matter of actually doing it. Decisions are fine. Actions are better.
