How should believers respond to God's promises, as seen in Genesis 18:10? The Promise in Genesis 18:10 “Then the LORD said, ‘I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!’” (Genesis 18:10) What the Promise Reveals about God • He speaks specifically and unmistakably. • He acts on His own timetable, not ours. • He overcomes natural impossibilities (“Sarah was behind him, listening…,” and she was far beyond childbearing years). • His word is certain—“God is not a man, that He should lie” (Numbers 23:19). How Believers Are Called to Respond 1. Trust His Character • Believe that the God who promises is faithful (Hebrews 11:11). • Refuse to measure the promise by visible circumstances (Romans 4:19–21). 2. Wait with Expectant Hope • Expectation fuels perseverance; Abraham waited a full year after hearing this word before Isaac was conceived. • Psalm 130:5: “I wait for the LORD; my soul waits, and in His word I put my hope.” 3. Align Actions with the Promise • Abraham prepared hospitality for the Lord (Genesis 18:6-8) and later obeyed covenant commands (Genesis 17:23-27). • James 2:22: “You see that faith was working with his deeds…” 4. Guard the Heart from Doubt • Sarah laughed in disbelief (Genesis 18:12-15), showing how doubt can surface even among the faithful. • Philippians 4:8 urges believers to dwell on what is true and praiseworthy, crowding out unbelief. 5. Give Glory to God in Advance • Romans 4:20: “[Abraham] was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.” • Praise positions the heart to receive and re-affirms that fulfillment depends on God, not on us. Living Out the Response Daily • Read and rehearse His “precious and magnificent promises” (2 Peter 1:4). • Speak “Amen” to them—agreement voiced in prayer and conversation (2 Corinthians 1:20). • Surround yourself with faith-filled community for encouragement (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Record answered promises as testimony, fueling future faith (Psalm 78:4). Every promise issued by God carries the same certainty that brought Isaac into Abraham’s tent. Respond with trusting, obedient, joy-filled expectation—and watch the promise-keeping God work. |
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