The story of Abraham and Sarah is one of faith when all odds are stacked against you. It seems that the only option was to take matters in your hands, but it came with consequences. Waiting on God’s timing is always the best timing. Not only will situations be adverted now, but also for generations to come.
Abram definition
Abram was a man of God. Little did he know that God had big plans for him because of his obedience. Abram meaning “exalted father” and Sarai meaning “princess” will begin a journey that will take them out of their comfort zone and rely solely on God. You may be thinking how can his name mean an exalted father when he had no kids? That is when God steps in.
Abram’s journey
Abram’s journey all started with a dream. God put Abram asleep to tell him about his covenant. Abram will be a father to many and those same people will undergo persecution and despair. God will lean him to a country and not provide him with directions. Just Go. OK. That may seem tough on some people. We live in a society with google maps and other apps that provide us with directions to any location. Some directions are good and others are poor. Abram had no maps, he just had his feet and his trust in God. God will lead him to his new home..
Abram started out on his journey with his family. His family was so massive that they were overstepping each other. If anyone comes from a huge family, you will understand this. Not everyone was meant to travel together. So Abram and his nephew Lot had to part ways. Lot went east and Abram went west. They left on good terms.
Abram and Sarai find a new home
Abram and Sarai reach their destination. They had many trials and temptations along the way, but they did get there. Abram and Sarai discuss God’s promise. A child. Sarai thought maybe God will fulfill the promise through her handmaiden Hagaar.
Wrong.
If God promised Abram a child, why would he use another woman besides his wife to fulfill that promise? Sarai was not thinking spiritually, she was thinking in the “right now.” Since Abram loved Sarai so much, he listened to her voice. If only he didn’t. His actions right now has consequences even in this century.
Abram to Abraham
Abram listened to Sarai and had a child with Hagaar named Ishmael. A few years after his birth, 3 angels came to visit Abram. They reminded Abram of God’s promised child and Sarai, who was listening, laughed. The angels asked her why did she laugh? She was thinking in her natural mind. She is way too old to bear kids, but the angels reminded her all things are possible with God.
During this meeting Abram is changed to Abraham meaning “father of many nations” and Sarai to Sarah meaning “noble woman”.
The angels departed so they could go to Sodom and Gomorrah. Too much sin was happening and it was going to be destroyed. The angels did reassure Abraham that Lot’s family will be saved. Abraham pleaded with the angels to save more individuals. They settled down to if one person is righteous, they will spare Sodom and Gomorrah. You know that’s bad when they couldn't find one righteous person.
Does this remind you of a certain flood? Not one righteous person was found there either besides Noah’s family. That is a different story.
Abraham and Sarah's Son
Abraham and Sarah's son Isaac is born. As Isaac got older, God wanted to test Abraham’s faith. God tested him because he wanted to make sure Abraham trusted God and would obey him. God told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham took Isaac on a little journey to be sacrificed. At each step I can only imagine what he was thinking. In his natural mind, he could have thought God promised me this child just to take him? God made him a promise to be a father to many nations, is it with another child? When we look at his situation and compare it to our lives.
When God gives instructions regarding something, do we say not today or wonder what does God have in store when we follow through?
Abraham was a man of God. I know he truly trusted God and his instruction. God hasn't failed him yet, so why would he fail him now. His love for God is amazing.
Abraham took Isaac up and gathered all the necessary items for the sacrifice. Before he could do the fatal blow, God stepped in. He was pleased with Abraham’s faith. He provided a way of escape. A ram in a bush close to him. A ram that showed up out of NOWHERE. I’m pretty sure Abraham didn't see this ram while he was traveling up to the location for the sacrifice. That’s one of those nothing but God moments.
Abraham and Isaac sacrificed the ram and left down from the mountain. Abraham’s seed will continue to become a great nation known as the 12 tribes of Israel.
Have you noticed in the bible it always says our forefathers are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Not a coincidence.
A beautiful story of faith. Abraham and Sarah coloring pages.