And he (Abram) believed in the LORD, and he counted it to him for righteousness. Gen 15:6 Abram (high father or father of height), later Abraham (father of the multitude/nations), however, did not always believe God. We know quite well the story of Abraham and we love to remark about his faithfulness to God. He is called, father Abraham by some and the scriptures even bestow upon him a treasured title ‘friend of God.’ This remarkable patriarch has for ages inspired the faith of many and three religions to claim him as their forefather.

Yet, he was as much a man of faith as he was one often buffeted by unbelief and even discouragement. See, God had promised Abraham that he would make him a father of many nations and through him, all the world was to be blessed, but there was one problem, his wife was barren. Nevertheless, Abraham believed God and trusted that he knew exactly how he would accomplish what he promised.

By all appearances, God seemed to either have forgotten his promise or he was taking his sweet time to fulfil it. Unfortunately for Abraham (he must have thought) his as well as Sarah’s biological clocks were fast losing vitality and were winding down to a stop. 1, 3, 5, 7 years passed and no heir. 10, 13, 15, 17 years passed and still no heir.

Something was wrong, God must have forgotten. Surely it would not hurt to help God a little right? Technically, if Hagar became a surrogate by Abraham, then the prophecy would be fulfilled, and they would have the promised child, Sarah must have reasoned. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23… Plans did not go accordingly, and things were getting heated in the camp. 24… Surprise visit.

The LORD appeared to Abraham and again reaffirmed his promise and covenant, and both Abraham and Sarah, LAUGHED.

We will go more into the story in part 2 but let us pause here a little.

There are many lessons we can learn from this story and here are a few of them:

• You may not be exactly what God wants you to be or what you want to be right now but don’t be discouraged.
• God is into commitments and is serious about them. Before Abraham, God had made covenants with Adam and then with Noah and the human side of the covenants was utterly disregarded. Yet God, the faithful covenant keeper, did not despair but devised another covenant to redeem us, from ourselves and our failures; so, we have no need to be discouraged.
• Our faithfulness will be tested, but don’t be discouraged.

I hope you are looking forward to part 2 as much as I am. God’s word is amazing! But until then, no matter what, do not be discouraged. Take heart. God sees you 🙂