RUNNING WITH THE GIANTS Part 3 – Abraham
(Hebrews 12:1 NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
For when you don’t understand God’s ways…
“God always does the right thing.”
(Genesis 15:2-6 NIV) But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars–if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.
GOD ALWAYS DOES THE RIGHT THING…
- Even if it takes a long time.
(Genesis 16:1-2 NIV) Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The LORD has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said.
(2 Peter 3:9 NLT) The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake…
- Even if it seems absurd.
(Genesis 18:10-13 NIV) Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’
(Genesis 18:14 NIV) Is anything too hard for the LORD? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”
- Even if we question Him.
(Matthew 26:39 NIV) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
(Proverbs 14:12 NIV) There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
- Even if we don’t understand.
(Hebrews 11:17-19 NIV) By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.
(Psalms 9:10 NIrV) LORD, those who know you will trust in you. You have never deserted those who look to you.
FINAL WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
- “Perfection is not a prerequisite for God to begin His work in our lives.
When you walk with God, your character becomes more like God’s character.
- God’s blessings are never earned.
(Romans 4:16 NIV) Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring–not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.