It has been a long while since I read the story of Abram. To kick off my year, I decided to check it out and refresh my foggy memory. Here's what I found.
It seems that even though Abraham is known as a man of great faith, (earning a coveted spot in Hebrews 11 aka the faith chapter), he doubted God quite often. After being sent to wander around to a new homeland by God at age 75, Abram took it upon himself to protect he and his wife. When passing through Egypt, Abram told Pharaoh that Sarai was his sister. God brought on plagues to Pharaoh and corrected Abram. You would think he would have learned by now, right? Well, not quite. He continued to honor God when rescuing his nephew Lot from some crazy kings, but God still had to remind him, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward" (Gen. 15:1b). But even then, Abram continued to question God on the fact that he would have a kid to inherit his large fortune.
Over and over, God proved His love and care for Abram and his family, but Abraham continued to falter in his trust. He laughed when the Creator of the universe told him he would have a child at 100 years old! But God continued to love, nurture, and protect him.
I have to say, this definitely gives me hope for myself. It has been a rough summer for me spiritually, and I am so happy to be back at school— a constant environment of peers striving to honor God. I feel that this year is going to be a good one, I just pray God never gives up on me as He didn't Abram.
By the way, Abram and Sarah did have a child, just when God said they would. Their names were changed to Abraham and Sarah, for they were the parents of a great and blessed nation. Now that's gotta strengthen someone's faith!
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