January 30

Commentary and reflection:

I don’t know about you, but it encourages me to see the “father of faith” doubting God’s promise as he knelt to pray.
17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” Genesis 17:17.

Very likely Abraham laughed when he thought of the state of things in his intimacy with Sarah. Obviously, God had not considered this minor detail, that is why he rushed to suggest,

18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” Genesis 17:18.

In our infirmity, we tend to doubt God’s promises because we consider the reasons why it is not possible for them to be fulfilled.

The Lord read Sara’s doubts in her thoughts as well. She found it funny, also,

13 And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:13,14.

Thank you, Lord, for keeping in mind that I am dust, thank you for being patient with me when I doubt, even in my prayers.

20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20,21

May The Lord be with you and your family today.

Pastor Abel Paulin