When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." —Genesis 17:1-2
God spoke to Abraham when he was eighty-six years old… and then waited thirteen more years before He spoke again. Why do you suppose God waited so long?
God often chooses to wait until we have exhausted every possible resource before us. He waits until we reach a point of hopelessness. That is where Abram was, finally. Had God spoken any earlier, Abram probably would have tried to help God perform His promise.
While training to be a lifeguard, I learned that when someone is drowning, you don't approach them directly. If you come too close while they are still strong and flailing, they might take you down with them. You have to wait until they are exhausted. I think God works on this same principle. As long as we are flailing about, God waits.
WHEN WE FINALLY GIVE UP, GOD CAN BEGIN TO WORK OUT
HIS GLORIOUS PLAN.
"Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His marvelous works!" Many times we are prone to give some rationalistic explanation or say how lucky we are when things work out. We don't give God credit for the work He has done.
Maybe you are in a situation that looks impossible. You did your best and failed. Hey, are you ever in good shape! For man's impossibilities are God's opportunities. God will do for you what you can't do for yourself!
Father, thank You for Your patience. We give You
all our impossible situations. Bring glory to Your name, Lord,
that men would praise You.
Amen.