In reading Genesis 17 this morning, God came to Abram when he was 99 years old and told him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” v. 1-2. Have you ever thought what it would have been like for Abram to hear God speaking with him, to receive from God understanding of the direction He was making in his life at what many would consider the closing chapter of their life? His name was changed by God to Abraham, meaning father of many; Sarai would be called Sarah and through a son she would bear, would God’s covenant be established. Ishmael was not forgotten by God and would be blessed by God and the father of twelve rulers, a great nation through him. Understandably, Abraham’s reaction…Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” And Abraham said to God, “If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!” Then God said, “Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.” v. 17-19. God gave Abraham instructions for every male 8 days old and older to be circumcised which would be the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. Abraham obeyed and all males 8 days old and older were circumcised, including Abraham and Ishmael.

We read these words in our Bible but it’s hard to really imagine what that must have been like. Abraham talked with God as He explained that “I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.” v. 5-7.

Kings and nations would come from Abraham. King David would come from him. Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords would come from him through Mary.

Abraham laughed to himself…can you blame him? When I look around at the world today, I sometimes wonder how can God reconcile all the awful things that we have done throughout all the history of mankind. God asked me, Do you trust me? Do you love me? Believe in me. He knows our doubts, our fears, our inadequacies. He has a sense of humor because He knew Abraham laughed to himself and Isaac means he laughs.

I take God’s hand gratefully and I trust Him to lead me. I can’t see into the future, I can’t dispel the tiny darts of doubt that are quick to undo me. I can look to Almighty God and there find my strength. Jesus told His disciples in Matthew 19 that all things are possible with God. Abraham believed God. Lord, I believe in You and I will follow you forever. How can I not? This morning He told me to feel My hand in the dark. Whisper My name when you feel alone and vulnerable. My love is your shield and great is My love for you.

Can we trust God? Believe Him. He has never lied.