THEME 7 PATIENCE
SCRIPTURE [1]
The Lord cared for Sarah as he had said. He did for her what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant. And she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. Everything happened at the time God had said it would. Abraham named his son Isaac. Sarah gave birth to this son of Abraham. Abraham circumcised Isaac when he was eight days old as God had commanded.
Abraham was 100 years old when his son Isaac was born. And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. No one thought that I would be able to have Abraham’s child. But I have given Abraham a son while he is old.”
THINK ABOUT IT
Sarai had wanted a baby for a very long time. She was more than patient. But she was also discouraged until an angel visited her husband, Abram. You already know the story from the picture with the star, but from Sarai’s side, you need to know that when a woman did not have a child in those days, she was definitely looked down upon by others. No children meant she had not fulfilled God’s command to multiply. It also meant no security for her old age.
When Sarai had this child, Isaac, she was over ninety years old. This was an amazing event. But God is in the promises business. He heard her prayers. Sometimes God answers our prayers in ways we don’t expect. I know. He’s answered several of mine, including having children well after most women’s families are complete. We need to be patient, because God answers our prayers when it is best timing. It may not be ours, but it is His. And I’m convinced he made Sarai smile at her friends who had demeaned her. She had the last laugh, didn’t she?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we are glad You teach us patience. We think of all the years your people waited for Jesus to come. And now we are showing patience as we wait for Christmas to come. Thank You for answers to prayers in the timing best for You. Amen.
[1] Genesis 21: 1-7 Ibid.
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