Advent DevotionalSýnishorn

The Story of Abraham

God is in the business of making big promises--He always has been--and Abram, more than most, saw God make and keep His promises over and over. For Abram, the promise of children seemed too big for God to fulfill after he and Sarah struggled with infertility for so long. To express God’s faithfulness to His promise, God changed Abram’s name.

Abram translates to “exalted father;” Abraham translates to “father of a multitude.” By changing Abram’s name to Abraham, God confirms His promise.

So, why is it necessary for God to change the name of Abram to keep the promise? In truth, I think it has less to do with showing God keeps His promises, and more to do with Abraham remembering the promise itself.

To use Abraham’s name as a part of this promise meant he would be reminded daily of it. Every time someone would say his name. Every time he would introduce himself to someone new. Every time he would write his name. Through a name change, God made it impossible to forget not only the promise, but also God’s faithfulness in seeing it through.

Like Abraham, it’s easy for us to forget the promises of God and how He’s been faithful in our lives. The enemy will tell you that it’s “too big” for God to fulfill, but God has come to fulfill His promises. He isn’t afraid of your desires, fears, or questions. He is the most trustworthy person we can ever know.

Reflect

Take time to think back on all the ways God has been faithful to you. Where have you begun to doubt the promises of God? What promise has gotten too big for you to believe God can fulfill? How can you find ways to remind yourself of the faithfulness of God?

Pray

Jesus, would you restore my belief in who you are. Would I borrow the faith of Abraham and many others who had a front row seat to the way you would fulfill your promise. I surrender the places where I have begun to doubt that you are trustworthy. In your kindness, would you give me daily reminders that I am not forgotten and that you keep your promises. In Jesus’ name, Amen.