Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

How is God answering your prayers?

Genesis 15v2 “But Abram said, ‘O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless.’ ”  (NIV)

Abraham was a friend of God (James 2v23) and in Genesis, we find a record of some of the conversations between God and Abraham.

There are 3 main requests Abraham made of God:

• Abraham asks for an heir (Genesis 15v2-3). This prayer was in accord with God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 13v16, “I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth.” God answered this prayer some years later with the birth of Isaac. In effect God’s answer was, “Yes, that is what I have said, but not yet.”
• Abraham asks for Ishmael to be his heir an receive the blessing ( Genesis 17v18). This prayer was made in a moment of doubt and despair. God gives partial affirmation to his request, but then reassures Abraham that His real heir will be coming in a year’s time. In effect, God’s answer was, “Well yes to a degree, but I have something far better than what you are asking.”
• Abraham asks God to preserve Sodom for the sake of 10 righteous people (Genesis 18v32). In Abraham’s heart is a strong desire to preserve his nephew Lot. God affirms that he would not destroy it for 10 righteous people. However, the reality is there is not that many there and so Sodom is destroyed. But, God answers the heart of Abraham by rescuing Lot (considered righteous) so that he is not destroyed with the wicked. In effect, God’s answer was, “I like your principle, but I am going to work things out a different way.”

What are your requests to God right now? Is one of the responses God gives Abraham appropriate to you?

It is right that we express to God our heart’s desires: that is part of our friendship with God. Let’s make sure we are listening carefully to our Father’s replies.

With love and blessing,

Roland