Daily Devotional – Monday, September 4, 2023
By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
Hebrews 11:11 (NKJV)
Even by the standards of an age when people had longer lifespans than today, it was ridiculous for Sarah to conceive while approaching ninety years of age. How should you react when God tests your patience, as He did with Sarah and Abraham?
When Faith Dwindles
The couple, tired of waiting for God to fulfill His promise to them, took a shortcut that resulted in the birth of Ishmael. True to His promise, though, God ignored the duo’s diversionary tactics and stuck with the original script. The promised son was still on the way!
An exasperated Sarah even laughed when she heard angels telling her husband that she would bear a child. She told herself, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my Lord being old also?” (Genesis 18:12). Any person in Sarah’s position would empathize with her. There was nothing tangible to indicate that she would be a mother.
Perseverance Under Trial
What then gave Sarah and Abraham hope? On the day Sarah laughed about God’s promises, the Lord asked Abraham, “Is anything too hard for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14). These words must have instilled some modicum of faith in the ageing, desperate duo.
According to Paul, “By faith, Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11). Her faith paid off and Isaac was born.
When God Tests Your Patience
Most of us are like Sarah. We have delayed dreams that make us wonder whether God has forgotten us. We encounter many roadblocks and often resort to shortcuts. Doing so, we believe, will accelerate our journey to our dreams and ambitions. However, because God has better plans for us, He frustrates our efforts.
Thankfully, God is never late. Isaac came into the world at the right time. Similarly, as long as you do not give up, God will fulfil His purpose for you. It does not matter how long it will take. You may have concluded that you will never achieve your goals. Do not give up. Even if you are past the conventional age, you will achieve your purpose in life.
Prayer
Almighty Father, when You test my patience, increase my faith that I may live to achieve the purpose You have ordained for me.
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Amen 🙏
Thank you, Martin.