Genesis 21:1-5 The Birth of Isaac

Abraham was seventy-five years old when he left Ur for the land of Canaan. After he arrived in the Promised Land, Abraham received God’s promise that He would give Abraham and Sarah a son.

Abraham had waited more than fifteen years for the promise to be fulfilled? Was there a mistake? Would God do it? Why has it taken so long?

Do you ever feel that way? You know God’s promises, but they don’t seem to be coming true in you life according to your plan. You wait and pray and wait some more. Is God still there?

The assured answer is that God is near. He has not forgotten His promises. He is still at work in your life and will fulfill his promises exactly as He promised. He will do it according to His timetable rather than yours or mine.

Look carefully at Genesis 21:1-5. The Lord visited Sarah “just as he had said he would” and did for Sarah what he had promised (21:1). Sarah became pregnant and Abraham had a son “At the appointed time that God had told him” (21:2).

Remember the account of Paul and the sailors caught in a violent storm. In the evening an angel had appeared to Paul telling him that he and his friends would all arrive safely to their destination. Paul recounted the dream to the men, “Therefore keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will be just as I have been told” (Acts 27:25).

We can always rely on the Lord to do everything He promises. He is faithful to bless us; He will also be faithful to bring the judgment the Bible describes.

Abraham waited many years for the birth of his promised son, Isaac. You and I may wait many years too. We may be tempted to quit praying or to question God. Whenever we are tempted or discouraged we can recall Abraham and the birth of Isaac. It took place at the appointed time just as God had told him.

“Wait patiently for the Lord! Wait confidently for Him!” (Ps 37:7).