Manna for Your Morning

And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. — Hebrews 6:15 (NKJV) Whether in a line at the grocery store or sitting in traffic on the freeway, most of us do not like waiting. Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. During his time of waiting, he had to endure some things. May we also learn the art of patient endurance. Let us be patient in trouble, and keep on praying (Romans 12:12). The Message version says, don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Do what God instructs you to do and leave the rest to Him. He will bring it pass at the perfect time, its appointed time.

Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. — Genesis 24:1 (NKJV) How would you like to be blessed in ALL things? Let us look at and follow Abraham’s example: First of all, Abraham trusted and obeyed God. When God told him to get out of his country, Abraham left, not even knowing where he was going (Genesis 12:1-4). Second, Abraham was a giver. He gave Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High a tithe (tenth) of all (Genesis 14:18-20). Third, Abraham humbled himself under God’s mighty hand. Genesis 17:3 says, he fell on his face, and God talked with him. May trust, obedience, generosity, and humility characterize our lives, as well. Amen!

“Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” — Genesis 18:14 (NAS) Today’s society has us geared for what’s fast and quick. We want the express lane in life. Waiting is an inconvenience. However, God is not moved by our timetable. He has an appointed time. There is a time for every activity under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Abraham waited more than 20 years from the time God promised him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5) until the birth of his son, Isaac. So, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise (Hebrews 6:25). May we be like Abraham and patiently endure. We don't have to know when or how, just know that God does fulfill all of His promises! Nothing is too difficult for Him.

Then the LORD said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the LORD?” — Genesis 18:13-14 (NIV) Even though Sarah was well past her childbearing years, God made her womb fruitful to produce a son. The LORD shut the mouths of the lions when Daniel was shut in a lion's den (Daniel 6:22). When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into a blazing furnace, the LORD kept them from being burned and they didn't even smell like smoke (Daniel 3:27). Get in the habit of telling your problems, how BIG your God is. Nothing is too difficult for our great God!