Many a times, we talk about Abrahams faith and what he achieved. In Romans 4:20 (NKJV), it is said of Abraham that, “He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God". Another translations renders the same text as, "He staggered not at the promises of God through unbelief". But that was not always the case. In the Genesis accounts, we see he wasn’t always that resolute in faith in waiting for Isaac so this may seem like a contradiction but not at all. There was a before and after moment that made Abraham resolute in faith.
Scripture says we need faith to be able to please God. Abraham, like all of us, had to wait for the promise of the Father. He went through all the tests and temptations we face on daily bases. Imagine, the frustration of seeing your own servants who drink your water, eat your food and live under your roof have babies you may even care for while being childless yourself. By the help of God, Abraham had accomplished some great feats - saving Sodom and surrounding villages from their enemies and receiving prophetic declarations of greatness and generational blessings. Yet, at the time of this encounter, 24 years after He responded to God's call, this specific promised child was still not in the picture. That was not an easy or common test, not even for a man of faith.
In the preceding chapter (Genesis 16) when 10 years had elapsed since his call, Sarai proposed an alternative means by which they could obtain a child. By then, Abraham was also probably wondering if he like his wife was impotent so when what looked like an opportunity came to have a heir (not just a child), he didn’t think twice. He might have proceeded with this option because Sarah was in agreement with that. After all, was this not a logical thing to do in their long wait? But, if he resolutely believed God was going to fulfill the promise of providing a heir through Sarai would he have slept with Hagar? What are you compromising on because God's promise is delaying? Are you doing it because you have the support of close people even though you know it's contradicts God's instruction to you?
God will not lower his standards to accommodate your sin simply because it is you. He will also not skip processes that will develop your character because He favours you. The Abraham we have come to know as a man of faith who staggered not at the promises of God went through a process. Abraham was content to have Ishmael though that was not the promise. Have you settled for an alternative simply because the original is delaying? The process of waiting is not easy, your patience may be tested to its farthest extent (see Psalm 105:17-19). But, if you go ahead of Him, you will cause more problems. We can’t deviate from God's expected path and expect to receive what He has promised. No! God will always put things right before the promise can manifest so that not even the enemy can question the legitimacy of what He gives us.
Consider another biblical hero of faith, the man after God's own heart - King David. After his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the cruel murder of his loyal mighty men, Uriah, to cover the shame of his conduct, he continued living life as usual. For almost a year, he went about his normal duties. In that period, he pursued the protection of his image and kingdom at the cost of another man’s life. He refused to confess his sins and for a good while functioned on his throne like nothing had happened. But here too, our righteous God shows that not even generals of faith are excused for their failure to wait for His promise or a choice to not walk in holiness.
So, returning to our anchor text, when God appeared to Abraham in Genesis 17, he was about to deal with a lot of things in his life. He tells Abraham; “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.” He was effectively saying, "I am not delaying the promise as you think, you have found your own way." He emphasizes what kind of God He is, Almighty - all powerful and limitless and commands Him to "walk before me and be blameless". In other words, put away the doubt, unbelief, the voice of people, fear, and go back to the promise I made. Why did God choose these words? I believe, on one hand, He was pointing out that Abraham was not without blame (because of his means of getting Ishmael). But, on the other hand, He was imparting courage to his doubtful heart that the Almighty can fulfill His plan in spite of his fears.
After more than twenty years, the man of faith now had fears about receiving this 'overdue' promise. “Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” And Abraham said to God, “Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!” Genesis 17:17, NKJV. A side note of caution: when we ask God to bless the produce of our sin we should be ready for the consequences. Today, we are witnesses of the tensions in the world stemming from issues between the descendants of Isaac and Ishmael.
God knew Abraham’s heart like he knows ours. He knew what Abraham was thinking and so he assured him…“As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. Genesis 17:4, NKJV. God said “As for Me”… It is quite common to use "as for me" in English. However, using it at the beginning of a sentence would only make sense if it is a follow-up, or differing response to someone's opinion (usually, to mark contrast with another person's opinion). God wanted Abraham to know that He would keep HIS promise and covenant and didn’t need Abraham's help. But, Abraham's part in walking blameless before Him was not negotiable. It was a prerequisite to receiving the promise.
In the era of grace, it is easy for us to forget that we are to walk blameless before the Lord. Many Christians think grace has made holiness unnecessary so we can do anything we want and still get what we want from God. But God's righteous nature and standards are eternal: they cannot be changed - He does not excuse sin or clear the guilty (see Exodus 34:6-7). The good news however is that Christ has provided an atoning sacrifice that covers and cleanses us when we admit our sins and confess them in repentance .
Surrender to the Holy Spirit and ask Him to search you. Promptly yield to His voice and let Him lead you out of your own ways into His good, acceptable and perfect will for your life.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your [b]reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:1-2, NKJV