A Fresh Start
By now Abraham is revealing very human characteristics: doubt, uncertainty, anxiety, a desire to see into the future and have children. To these he adds impatience.
Think of a situation where you have felt a strong urge to take a new and bold step. It may be a relationship, a job, a hobby, sport or project. You lack nothing for determination and enthusiasm. If asked for reasons, you have them ready. If cautioned, you can handle it. It is something you have to do; you can, and you will. In certain circles you might even say, ‘I know this is what God is telling me to do’ and to that there is no answer. But then how many times have you heard that whisper of doubt coming over your shoulder, usually when something goes wrong, someone lets you down, you feel tired or weary, or it just isn’t working, at least not quite as you had hoped.
That is where Abraham stands. He has been obliged to appoint his own servant, Eleazar, as his heir, Surely this is not what God intended, or if it is Abraham has been seriously misled. His clear expectation was a son with Sarah. But the biological clock is ticking and nothing is happening. Confidence is cracking. This time he does consult God and receives substantial re-assurance, the promise of an heir being enhanced by the addition of land and a new covenant.
But it is still all talk, dreams and promises. Talk is easy. The fulfilment of promises depends on all kinds of responses from others as well as from Abraham himself. Some occasions call for patience. Abraham has not yet come to terms with God’s time. Faith may teach us that God always keeps his promises but does not always tell us that sometimes God’s promise is not exactly what we thought it was, nor does it necessarily come when we think it should.
This is the moment when faith is tested. Our impatience has to be balanced by learning patience, sometimes requiring us to hang on until another urge tells us differently or corrects our direction. That too can be the voice of God.
