Worth Waiting For

“Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.” Hebrews 11:11

Sarah is one of the greatest examples in the Bible of someone patiently waiting for a promise to be fulfilled. We can all learn so much from her. Can you imagine how difficult it must have been for her to pack up her belongings and start out on a journey not knowing where she was going? Abraham had direction from God, and even though she may have disagreed with his plans, she was submissive to him.

God promised Abraham that he would make of him a great nation and that in his seed all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Because Sarah was his wife, she was part of this promise, even though there is no record of the Lord speaking to her at this time. As time passed, she probably looked forward in anticipation of becoming a mother. But as years rolled by and this did not happen, I can imagine that she questioned the Lord many times. She experienced some difficult times, but she was loyal to her husband and willing to do whatever he asked. And she waited for that promised child.

Infertility was not a punishment for something she had done. God’s timing is always perfect, and He had a plan that would come to fruition at the right moment.

We all make mistakes in life, but God is merciful, and He doesn’t hold it against us. We can understand how Sarah became impatient and decided to take matters into her own hands by giving her maid to Abraham to bear a child in her stead.

It was only after Ishmael was born, that God reinforced his promise to Abraham and included Sarah. Genesis 17:15-16 “And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.”

In due time, Isaac was born, even though Sarah was far beyond the age of childbearing. God is not limited to the laws of biology.  He always delivers on His promises.

Think how she must have felt as she held that precious little boy in her arms. The long years of waiting were over, and God had met her need. He always does.

Has God given you a promise, or moved you to pray for something specific, and you have not received it yet? God hears every prayer we pray, and He knows exactly when the time is right to answer. Be patient, wait on the Lord and you will receive what you desire.

Prayer: Jesus, we want instant answers to our requests. Grant us the patience we need to wait for your perfect timing, knowing that you always keep your promises.

Devotion by Anne Johnston