Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Jeff Seward

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.’” Genesis 17:1-2 (NKJV)

Are you waiting for a promise the Lord gave you years ago? A loved one’s salvation, the opportunity to serve in ministry, a child to come back to the Lord? Waiting is the norm in life, not the exception.

Abram was 99 years old and still waiting on the Lord, with no promised child in sight. The last encounter where the Lord communicated directly with him had been more than thirteen years prior. Seemingly, Abram had thirteen years of “normal” fellowship with God. Yet, at times, Abram must have felt God forgot.

God, in His time, revealed Himself to Abram as El Shaddai. This name for God means “God, the all-sufficient one.” The One who blesses richly, abundantly, continually, and displays His power. 

When has God spoken with you? I have not heard the audible voice of the Lord, yet several times He has impressed upon me an instruction that I know was clearly from Him. Over the years He spoke to me about moving, about disobedience , about marriage, and the call to pastoral ministry. 

God spoke to remind Abram that He had not forgotten His promise. Though it had been around twenty-five years since the promise was first made, God did not forget.

The Lord told Abram what He expected. We can only do what God expects of us when we know who He is and know Him in a full, personal, real way. God wanted all of Abram, a total whole-hearted commitment.

In our age of the immediate, many of us have lost our ability to patiently wait on the Lord. God calls us to wait confidently in hope and live in integrity before Him. Abram became a great man of faith, but it didn’t happen overnight. It took years of God’s work and years of trusting in Him, interspersed with a few spectacular encounters with the Lord.

Isaiah 41:10, 13 says, “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand . . . For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ’Fear not, I will help you.’”

God gives you instruction and assurance when you walk and wait upon Him. Bring to remembrance what the Lord has said to you. Faith is confidence that what God promises will come to pass. He will bless, multiply, and encourage you today and tomorrow. 

DIG: Truthfully, do you see God as the all-sufficient One for your life?

DISCOVER: If God has given you a promise, know confidently He will fulfill it in His perfect time. Look to the Promise Keeper, not just the promise. Enjoy Him and His goodness toward you daily.

DO: Consider keeping a journal to document how God moves in your life. Abram walked and waited by faith. Likewise, you are called to live your life by faith in total confidence and obedience to God. People need to see that example in your life.