Don’t Count Yourself Out
“Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore him Ishmael. When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.’”
Genesis 16-17:2
In the fall, I studied the entire book of Genesis with our High School students, and what surprised them (and even me at certain times) was how overwhelmingly disappointing Abraham is in character, faith and as a husband. He laughs in the face of God more than once; he pretends that his wife is his sister twice; he blames his wife when he believes things haven’t gone his way; and perpetually takes God’s promises into his own hands making a mess of things. Generally Abraham comes across as no great hero of the faith.
And yet, he is our celebrated church father, from whom Jesus’ lineage descents. This story has served as the most beautiful reminder that no one can put themselves out of God’s good graces.
God is faithful to Abraham: He continually renews His promises to him even after every misstep. God ends up still granting Abraham the desires of his heart: giving him an heir; residing with him; guiding him; loving him and being generous to him.
It’s so easy to count ourselves out or to assume, because of poor decisions, that God is no longer interested in us. It’s easy to think that we’re too old, or that we’ve made it this far without God or that we’re too sinful, too untalented, too normal, too eccentric, too whatever we believe is the reason he may not love us.
Believe that you are never counted out by God. Abraham was 75 years old when God first spoke clearly to him and it wasn’t too late for God to use him in beautiful ways. Abraham was a disaster, but God turned him into a hero. Abraham was cowardly yet God still put him to work, and as Abraham got to see God’s faithfulness, his faith and trust grows.
You are a gift to the world — yes — even you. You were created to bring God glory and nothing can take that away. You can make sacrifices and do the hard things when God asks. Be assured that God is experienced in leading people who make straightforward obedience incredibly complicated, so he can handle you. You can bring light to others through your story of faith and your very presence.
You were created for more than just work, providing for a family and apparent success — God created you to bring His glory into the world!
