Abraham | I can have a good attitude even when I have to wait
“She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” Genesis 21:2
Genesis 17:4-7, 18:11-14, 21:2, 5
The days leading up to Christmas seem to move twice as slow, don’t they? When you are waiting for something so exciting, it seems like it takes forever to arrive. Have you ever waited for a package to arrive in the mail? Or counted down the days until your birthday? When you are in the midst of waiting, time slows down and true patience is required. No one knows how agonizing waiting can be like Abraham.
God promised Abraham a child. In fact, He promised that Abraham would be the father of a great nation. But time went on and on and soon Abraham was 100 years old and still childless. Abraham and his wife Sarah waited years – decades even – for God’s promise to come true. Can you imagine what that must have felt like?
Finally, when they had given up hope and the idea of having a child seemed physically impossible, God stepped in. God intentionally waited to give Abraham and Sarah a child because He wanted to test their patience and allow them to wait on His perfect timing. It was hard, but Abraham continued to hope in great faith that God would one day provide.
Sometimes we feel like God is taking forever. We ask for something, expecting God to provide, and He does not – or so it seems. Oftentimes, God is working in ways we do not yet realize and we must be patient as we trust His timing. When you are in a season of waiting, trust God’s promises, believe that what He says is true even if it seems impossible and do not be discouraged. God went on to fulfill His promise to Abraham and He will fulfill His promises to you too.
Questions to think about:
- What are you waiting for God to do?
- What are some frustrations you have when it seems like God is not answering you?
- Remind yourself of the ways God has provided for you and others. Where can you find hope in this season of waiting?