Waiting For The Promised Child Series

WAITING FOR THE PROMISED CHILD

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 15:1-6

Key Verse: “And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.” (Genesis 15:4)

Supporting Texts: Genesis 18:9-14; Romans 4:18-21; Hebrews 6:12-15; Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 27:14

INTRODUCTION

Waiting is one of the most challenging aspects of the walk of faith. When God gives a promise, expectation rises, but when fulfilment delays, questions begin to surface. The journey between prophecy and manifestation often becomes a testing ground for endurance and trust.

Abraham and Sarah received a clear promise from God concerning a son, yet years passed without visible evidence. Age advanced, hope was stretched, and natural possibilities diminished. Still, God’s word remained unchanged.

Waiting for the promised child represents any season in life where God has spoken, but the outcome has not yet appeared. It is in that waiting season that character is shaped, faith is strengthened, and reliance on God becomes deeper than ever before.

1. THE PROMISE IS INITIATED BY GOD

Every genuine promise begins with God’s word. The origin of the promise determines the certainty of its fulfilment.

a) The word of the Lord comes (Genesis 15:4)

God specifically declared that Abram’s heir would come from his own body. Divine promises are clear and intentional.

b) The promise seems impossible (Genesis 17:17)

Abraham laughed at the thought of fatherhood at his age. God’s promises often transcend natural logic.

c) Nothing is too hard for the Lord (Genesis 18:14)

God confronted Sarah’s doubt by affirming His unlimited power. Divine promise rests on divine ability.

d) Faith counted as righteousness (Genesis 15:6)

Abram believed God, and it was counted as righteousness. The right response to promise is faith.

Biblical Example: Hannah received a word concerning Samuel after years of barrenness, demonstrating that when God speaks, delay cannot cancel destiny (1 Samuel 1:17-20).

2. WAITING TESTS FAITH AND PATIENCE

The waiting season exposes the strength and maturity of faith. Time becomes a refining tool in God’s hands.

a) Hoping against hope (Romans 4:18)

Abraham believed in hope against hope. Waiting requires confidence when circumstances argue otherwise.

b) Strengthened through faith (Romans 4:20)

He staggered not at the promise through unbelief. Waiting must be sustained by spiritual conviction.

c) Through faith and patience inherit promises (Hebrews 6:12-15)

Patience is a necessary companion to faith. Promise inheritance requires endurance.

d) Renewed strength in waiting (Isaiah 40:31)

Those who wait upon the Lord renew their strength. Waiting is not wasted; it is empowering.

Biblical Example: Joseph waited through years of betrayal and imprisonment before his dream was fulfilled, proving that delay prepares one for greater responsibility (Genesis 41:39-41).

3. WRONG SHORTCUTS CAN DELAY FULFILMENT

Impatience can lead to decisions that complicate destiny. When waiting becomes uncomfortable, temptation to interfere arises.

a) Human arrangement through Hagar (Genesis 16:1-3)

Sarah suggested an alternative plan. Human solutions often arise when faith weakens.

b) Consequences of impatience (Genesis 16:11-12)

Ishmael’s birth introduced conflict. Shortcuts may produce results, but not covenant fulfilment.

c) God’s covenant remains unchanged (Genesis 17:19)

God reaffirmed that Sarah would bear the promised son. Divine promise cannot be replaced by human effort.

d) Waiting with courage (Psalm 27:14)

The Psalmist encourages strength while waiting. Courage prevents compromise during delay.

Biblical Example: King Saul offered sacrifice impatiently instead of waiting for Samuel, resulting in the loss of kingdom authority, showing that impatience can forfeit divine favour (1 Samuel 13:8-14).

4. FULFILMENT COMES AT THE APPOINTED TIME

God’s timing is precise and purposeful. What He promises, He performs at the set time.

a) The set time declared (Genesis 18:10)

God specified the time of Isaac’s birth. Fulfilment operates on divine schedule.

b) The Lord visited Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2)

God fulfilled His word exactly as spoken. Divine visitation produces manifestation.

c) Laughter turned to joy (Genesis 21:6)

Sarah declared that God made her laugh. What began in doubt ended in celebration.

d) God is faithful to perform (Numbers 23:19)

God is not a man that He should lie. Every promise carries the guarantee of His integrity.

Biblical Example: Elizabeth conceived John the Baptist in her old age after years of barrenness, demonstrating that God fulfils His word in His perfect timing (Luke 1:36-37).

CONCLUSION

Waiting for the promised child is not a punishment; it is preparation. The delay between promise and fulfilment is often where faith matures and trust deepens. Abraham’s journey teaches that divine promise is not subject to biological limitation, human calculation, or the passing of time.

If you are in a waiting season, remain steadfast. Guard your faith, avoid shortcuts, and trust God’s appointed time. The same God who fulfilled His word to Abraham and Sarah will bring your promise to manifestation in due season.