The Silence Of A Promise
A Devotion
The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry
By Bro. Andy Madonio
May 24, 1998
"At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."
Romans 9:9
The birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah was not merely an organic, natural occurrence. It was not just the conception, growth and development of a child in the womb culminating in the eventual natural birthing process. Oh no. There was so much more.
God said this birth would not happen unless and until HE was present. He also stated that it would not occur until He returned which meant that He was going away for a time.
Can you see it?
He whispers a promise and then leaves us in silence to prepare for the answer.
It is WHAT we are doing during the silent times that shapes us and changes us and molds us into the image of Jesus. It is precisely here, in the midst of this terrible quietness, this personal and spiritual emptiness, that our Christianity is purified and sanctified and made perfect.
(v8) "It is not the natural children, but it is the children of the promise." Or, as The Message translation so aptly states: "Israelite identity was never racially determined by sexual transmission, but it was God-determined by promise."
When a child is promised something, mom and dad watch the child in his waiting. For them, the watching is a joy and a delight. They see patience forming inside the one they love. They see anticipation on the face AND in the spirit of their little one. For the parents, this "waiting" is where much joy may be found; this "waiting" is where their child grows, and they receive a blessing.
Can you see now that the receipt of the promise is secondary? What we possess in this life is really nothing when viewed from eternity. So why do we spend so much time and energy striving for and praying for "things" that are so trivial? It is because our focus is wrong. We need to focus on getting TO God and being LIKE Christ. When we do this FIRST, the possession of the promise is not as important as we once thought.
When God promises something believe in it and rest. But also, make His joy complete. Know that He is watching you while you wait, and bless Him with your waiting. Grow into Jesus during this time and watch God smile.
