Text: Genesis 17:3-7; 11-14
Memory Verse: “No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations” (Genesis 17:5).
Apart from the appearance of God to Abraham in Genesis 12, nothing in the story of Abraham before Chapter 17, when the situation changed, can be said to be miraculous. He was 86 years old when Ishmael was born and 13 years passed before God spoke to him. God promised him, “…I
will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you” (Genesis 17:6).
For this promise to be fulfilled, a miracle had to take place. Abraham took a step of faith, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith giving glory to God…” (Romans 4:20,21). He believed the truth of the word of God that the promised child would come.
God had told him that Eliezer, the oldest servant in his house, or Ishmael, the child of the bondwoman, would not be his heir. The following year, Isaac was born. A child was born to a couple who were 100 and 90 years old, respectively. They had their first child when doctors would have given up all hope. “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). She who was once barren became a mother – her womb received strength to conceive, faith in God revived her womb and she conceived. Are you believing in God for a miracle? Maintain your faith. He never fails.
Prayer Points:
1. Let my faith in You cause me to receive positive answers to my prayers, O Lord!
2. The God of Abraham is my God. May my faith in You be strengthened, O Lord.
