Grave Digging or Go Time
Commit to God as He has committed to you.
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty. Walk before me and be blameless. I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” Abram fell on his face. God talked with him, saying, “As for me, behold, my covenant is with you. You will be the father of a multitude of nations. Your name will no more be called Abram, but your name will be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Kings will come out of you. I will give to you, and to your offspring after you, the land where you are traveling, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. I will be their God…Abraham fell on his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, “Will a child be born to him who is one hundred years old? Will Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?” God said, “No, but Sarah, your wife, will bear you a son. You shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.” Genesis 17:1-6, 8-9, 17, 19
God gets more glory when He does something that no one thinks possible. Abram is closer to the grave than to getting diapers at least according to standard thinking. God has a plan and He gives Abraham a new name, a new blessing, and new commitment to take Him to a new purpose. Abraham did not have any legitimate kids and yet God calls him father of nations and it comes to pass.
The same thing is true for us today. He has a name, He has a calling, and His plans will come to pass for you. Ask God what He calls you then listen to the voice of the Almighty as He leads you to a place you never thought possible.
“I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech…As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.” Psalms 17:6, 15
We pray because we believe God answers. The change that is helpful is when we learn to pray for His plans and not just a blessing on our own plans. David has learned that although he petitions and prays, what truly brings his soul peace is God’s presence.
“The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, Yahweh tests the hearts…Children’s children are the crown of old men; the glory of children is their parents. A cheerful heart makes good medicine” Proverbs 17:3, 6, 22
Where does a cheerful heart come from? What brings you the most cheer? Is it not time spent with loved ones? The time spent remembering time together, being present, and holding onto hope for what’s ahead? Our relationship with God the Father is meant to be the same. How does the Father want to fill your heart with cheer today through your relationship?
“For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the rock of your strength.” Isaiah 17:10
We live in a busy world, with a lot going on. Is it possible I have gotten away from prioritizing God and His plans for my life though all that I am doing? Where have I forgotten to put God first and focus on the rock that gives me strength?
“After six days, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. He was changed before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments became as white as the light…a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”
“the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, “Why weren’t we able…He said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:1-5, 19-21
The truth is Sarah did not have faith to move mountains, nor did she have great belief. What did she have? A God who is faithful and whose plans never fail. The same God who delivered a smiling baby to a centegenarian sent His own son to save the world. Jesus invites us to be bold in our belief and know that God is able to do far more than we can ask or imagine. You can move mountains and will see great miracles as you choose to move forward in confidence that God is able.