Read Genesis 17 – Faith and time – Abram is 99 years old and Sarai is 90. It has been roughly 23 years since the LORD promised Abram he would be the father of many, and 13 years since God reminded Abram of His promise after the birth of Ishmael.
God is outside of time. Just because you have to wait longer than you want, do not lose faith.
The LORD gives Abram a new name. Abram means ‘the father of many’; his new name will be Abraham, meaning ‘the father of many nations’. (:5) The LORD makes a covenant with Abraham to give him and his offspring the land of Canaan and to be their God.
This covenant will be sealed through the act of circumcision… much like Salvation in Christ Jesus is offered, yet one must seal it by saying yes and asking Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.
God required circumcision of every male, 8 days old and older. Science would discover the 7th day of life is when an infant’s immune system begins to mature and their bodies develop blood clotting agents (vitamin k and prothrombin), making the 8th day the most optimal… as God knew all along.
The LORD also has a promise for Sarai, and a new name, Sarah. Both versions mean princess, the first Sarai, is to one family; the second Sarah is princess over a multitude.
In verses 17-22 we see how very real Abraham’s relationship is with the LORD, pointing out the problem of their advanced years and suggesting that the LORD is referring to Ishmael, to which God says no. “But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” (:22)
We see Abraham’s great faith and leadership in :23 when he, and Ishmael and every male in his household is circumcised on that very day.
Beloved, is there something you’ve been waiting for a long time? I pray these Scriptures would refresh your faith that the LORD has not forgotten your prayers. He is at work in His timing and purpose, and when it is time, you will say, “Yes, LORD, that was perfect.”
Judy in the Sky 