His way

And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.       Heb. 11.12

Abraham saw just Isaac, and this was only after an excruciatingly long time. As we are told, Abraham was as good as dead. But he wasn’t dead! As long as we have life in our bodies God is able to fulfil His plans and purposes in us.

Abraham saw only Isaac. We know his descendants have been as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. Abraham did not see this. He had God’s word on it and this is what he held to. Abraham believed God. He had faith and he exercised that faith in the fullest measure. God had made a promise to him and that was sufficient for him.

In these days of immediate fulfilment and instant gratification, society does not respond well to the concept of waiting, and of doing so patiently! It would be fascinating, but perhaps also alarming, to see how some of today’s folk would respond to such a wait as Abraham endured. God, and His ways of love, patience and long-suffering are out of fashion. I note with sadness how much of society today is impatient, angry, and even hostile. I grieve over where we have brought ourselves to. I am mindful of my earlier life, the time when I had abandoned God and was doing it “my way”. I made quite a mess if it! Fortunately, God intervened and brought me back to Him, and life has become more peaceful and pleasant.

I believe society needs to return to God, to relearn His ways and to live in them. But society would scorn at this. When God drew me back to Him, it was all His doing. In a way it was like He ambushed me. If it had been suggested to me at that time that I would join in relationship with God, I would likely have scoffed, rather like much of the world does today. My plate was full. My time was totally occupied just getting on with life. There was no time or space in my life for God. Fortunately, God knew better. He took me completely by surprise, and I shall be eternally grateful to Him.

The world needs God but the world won’t acknowledge this. The good news is that God is ultimately in control.

Lord, Mighty God,

I rejoice in You. I thank You again for drawing me back to You and growing me in deep relationship.

I pray for this sick, impatient and angry world. I intercede for humanity, and I ask You to intervene. Let the power of Your love break through. May You draw many to the Son, to join in ongoing relationship with You. Save this world, in Jesus’ name I ask.           Amen.