Time and Struggles
Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 46-47; Hebrews 6
Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife. Genesis 25:21
Today's Scripture: Genesis 25:19-26
Insight
As the chosen son of the Abrahamic covenant, Isaac carried the burden of ensuring that Abraham would have countless descendants (Genesis 17:1-8). But there were obstacles to overcome. Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebekah (25:20), and she was barren (v. 21). But unlike his father Abraham with Hagar (see 16:1-4), Isaac didn’t try to help God out. Instead, he turned his predicament over to God, prayed, and asked Him to intervene (25:21). Isaac persevered in his prayers and unwaveringly trusted God. Many years later, God answered his prayer when Rebekah became pregnant (v. 21). Isaac was sixty years old when Jacob and Esau were born (v. 26). Whatever difficult challenges or trials we face, we can bring them to God. Jesus said “to always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1). Trusting God means waiting patiently for Him to act. As we bring our struggles to Him, He’ll comfort us as we wait.
For additional reflection, read: A Recipe in Waiting.
Josephine Cochrane (1839-1913) was tired of having her dishes damaged by handwashing, so she decided to create a dishwasher. Shortly after she began her design, her husband passed away, leaving her in debt. Those circumstances reinforced her need to succeed. In 1886, with a mechanic’s help, she built and then patented the first commercially successful hand-powered dishwasher. At first her dishwasher didn’t sell, but then hotels and restaurants began purchasing them. It wasn’t until the 1950s that dishwashers became popular in homes.
Sometimes it takes time and struggles for plans to come to fruition. The same is also sometimes true of God’s promises. Abraham and his descendants were promised they’d become a great nation, yet Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never saw it happen. Abraham was one hundred years old when Sarah gave birth to a son, Isaac (Genesis 21), and Isaac was sixty when Rebekah finally gave birth (25:20-21, 26). When Jacob settled in Egypt during a famine, his family numbered only seventy persons (46:27). It wasn’t until the time of Moses (about 400 years later) that the Israelites became a great nation.
As Isaac waited for a son, he did what we’re all called to do: He “prayed to the Lord” (25:21). Bring your hopes and struggles to God. He’ll bring you comfort, guidance, strength, and blessings as you wait.
Reflect & Pray
When have you waited for a desire to be fulfilled? What was the result?
Dear God, please help us to trust You with our dreams as we seek to live for You.