Have you ever been in a place in life where you have lost all hope of a positive outcome and decided there is no other option that to settle for second best?
You are not alone. Abraham, just like many of us today, has been in the same predicament as he cried out in desperation to God for an heir:
“But Abram replied, “O Sovereign LORD, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.”” (Genesis 15:2-3 NLT)
God is not limited by our desperation. He sees beyond our circumstances. God replied in the following way:
“Then the LORD said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir, for you will have a son of your own who will be your heir.” Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.” (Genesis 15:4-6 NLT)
God made a promise to Abraham that in spite of his hopeless circumstances he will not have to settle for second best. When darkness suffocate the hope out of us, we will find a promise from God’s Word that gives light over any darkness we may experience.
Have a look at how Abraham responded to what God promised, he believed God and he was counted righteous because of his faith. He believed. He did not work for his promise to come to pass, he rested and believed in God’s ability to bring to pass what He promised. We are righteous today because of Jesus’ perfect work on the cross and therefore we can boldly stand on God’s Word for His promises to come to pass. Any qualification for our promises are found in Jesus.
Now back to Abraham’s prayer. God heard Abraham’s desperate cry for an heir and God answered his prayer in the following way:
“The LORD kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac.
When Isaac grew up and was about to be weaned, Abraham prepared a huge feast to celebrate the occasion.” (Genesis 21:1-3, 8 NLT)
God is not a liar. He cannot lie.
When Abraham cried out to God in desperation for something better in His life, God promised him the best. It might not have happened immediately, and when delays come along we may tend to become unbelieving in God’s promises for us. Let no delay stop you from holding onto God’s promise for you.
God hears us when we pray. There is a promise in His Word for every situation we find ourselves in and it will come to pass in His perfect timing.
Today, we may find ourselves in similar desperate situations. Take heart that you are not alone and pray this prayer with me:
Father, you know me better than I know myself. My little faith and desperation to get what I think I deserve often lead me to outcomes that was never part of Your plan for my life. Help me to stop and rest at Your feet as You know what is best for me.
Father, all I see is darkness around me, but Your Word says that You are faithful. Your mercies are forever and joy comes in the morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). I stand on Your promise of faithfulness that in Your perfect time the good plans that You have for me will come to pass. Thank you for listening to me when I call on Your name and that You answer me (Jeremiah 29:11-13).
Father, impart Your faith in me to stand on every promise Your Word gives me and when I feel darkness suffocating me, help me to shed the light of Your Word over my life. Father, I have no chance in this life to be the best of me unless I have You. Lead me in Your path and let me see Jesus wherever I go and in whatever I do. Let me hear your heartbeat for me as I know You are my Daddy God who loves me and find joy in speaking to His child. I pray this in Jesus’ powerful Name, Amen.