Daily EncouragementSample

In this word of the Lord to Abraham we are reminded not only that “with God all things are possible” but also that God has his appointed time for the fulfilment of his purposes. The relation of time to eternity cannot be explained to finite minds, but believers do not doubt that he who inhabits eternity has his hand upon the passing moments of time. Many days elapsed between the occasion on which “Abraham fell face down: he laughed and said to himself, ‘Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old?’” (Gen. 17:17) and Sarah’s laughter as she listened at the tent door. But the day came when she exclaimed, as she nursed the promised child, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me” (Gen. 21:6). And that day was God’s appointed time.

“At the appointed time” - there is great comfort and strength in the phrase. It calls us to echo the Psalmist’s words, “You are my God. My times are in your hands” (Ps. 31:14-15). it cautions us to wait upon the Lord, to give God time. For God is not in a hurry and it is folly, not faith, which runs ahead of him.