Just What He Said

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age at the very time God had promised him. – Genesis 21:1-2 (NIV) 

My daughter has a lot of bedtime rituals. They’re comforting to her. Her water on the bedside table. Her sound machine set to ocean waves. Her stuffies tucked into their designated spots. 

Then begins the recitation of requests for the morning. Will I wake her up? Will I do it in the voice of whatever character she’s currently obsessed with? Will I make her chocolate chip pancakes? 

After all the questions have been answered, she confirms the whole thing one more time: “You promise all the things?” 

“I promise all the things.” Only then can she sleep. 

So much of scripture is a confirmation that God keeps God’s promises. Checked and double checked. Three times in these two short verses. We’re told that God was good to God’s word to Sarah. God did what God promised Abraham. And God did it all, “at the very time God had promised.” 

Rainbows are slung across the sky. Ways open through the sea. Needlessly complicated tasks are performed—all to fulfill what some prophet said. 

It’s comforting. That kind of dependability. Regularity. Faithfulness. To know that something at least will be as promised. 

In a world of chaos, at a time of such unpredictability, when nothing lasts and few can be relied on, it’s the one thing that we can rest on.  

Prayer
Rock of Ages, promise us again, all the things.

About the Author
Vince Amlin is co-pastor of Bethany UCC, Chicago, and co-planter of Gilead Church Chicago, forming now.