Waiting In Faith Series

Series: Called To Promise [#9]

WAITING IN FAITH

Genesis 18:1-15

Introduction:

In today’s busy world, patience and perseverance can seem like things we’ve lost, especially when things don’t happen quickly or when we face uncertain times; but the story in Genesis 18 reminds us that waiting patiently and trusting God is an important part of our faith. As Abraham and Sarah waited for God's promise of a son, they felt both hope and doubt. This story helps us see how we can trust God’s timing, even when it feels impossible, and how waiting can help our faith grow stronger.

Genesis 18 also shows us that God is loving and faithful. He listens to our honest questions and doubts. When Abraham asks for mercy for Sodom, and Sarah laughs at the idea of having a baby in her old age, we see that God accepts our struggles and questions because He cares about us. As we look at this story today, let’s remember that waiting in faith isn’t just sitting back- It’s trusting that God’s timing is perfect and that His promises are true. Like Abraham, we can learn to wait patiently, trusting that God is working even when we can’t see it.

Genesis 18:1-8

1. Seek God’s presence daily in your waiting.

Seeking God's presence every day while we wait teaches us that God's perfect timing is important in our spiritual lives. Abraham's meeting with the Lord at the trees of Mamre shows us how important it is to spend intentional time with God, even when we're unsure or waiting for something. When we make time each day for prayer, reading the Bible, and thinking about God, we grow more dependent on Him and learn to trust Him more. This daily habit helps us stay connected to God's plans and gives us strength and comfort as we wait for answers, breakthroughs, or guidance.

Spiritually, this reminds us that God's presence is always available, not just when we're busy or have accomplished something. God wants us to expect Him to show up every day, even while we wait. When we seek Him daily, we remember that His timing is always right and that His presence gives us peace, confidence, and wisdom. Waiting becomes an act of faith, trusting that God will show Himself at the right time. This helps us grow closer to Him and turn our patience into a stronger relationship with God.

Genesis 18:9-15

2. Practice honest and persistent prayer.

Practicing honest and persistent prayer is very important for building a real and close relationship with God, especially when we are waiting. When Sarah laughed at God's promise of having a son in her old age, it showed her doubt and struggle to trust God's timing and faithfulness; but God's patience and His invitation for us to speak honestly remind us that prayer isn’t about saying perfect words. It’s about being sincere and open with God, even when we have doubts. Keeping on in prayer shows we trust God's power and His ability to do the impossible. It reminds us that faith isn’t just sitting back; it’s actively trusting that God will do what He promises, even when things look hopeless.

Spiritually, this kind of honest and persistent prayer shows that God wants a relationship based on honesty and humility. It assures us that God listens to our doubts, fears, and hopes, drawing us closer to His grace. When we keep praying, we are trusting that God is working through our prayers to bring about His plans. Just like God was patient and reaffirmed His promise to Sarah, our persistence in prayer shows our faith that God can and will act. It encourages us to wait with hope and complete trust that God's timing is perfect.

Genesis 18:10-15

3. Hold onto God’s promises with hope.

Holding onto God's promises with hope is an important act of faith that helps us stay strong while we wait. God's promise to Sarah that she would have a son shows that God is faithful and never changes. Even though Sarah was very old and it seemed impossible, she was asked to trust that God's word was true. This teaches us that God's promises come from His power and faithfulness, not our situations or how we feel. When we hold on to His promises with hope, we show that we trust His character, knowing He can do what He says, even when it looks impossible. This hope helps us stay patient and reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His promises are sure.

Also, holding onto God's promises with hope changes how we handle waiting. It helps us keep going in faith, believing that God's Word is active and will come true. Sarah’s story shows us that hope in God's promises doesn’t lead to disappointment. Instead, it helps us be patient, strong, and trust in God's plan. This shows us that our hope isn’t just wishful thinking; but a confident trust based on who God is and His promises to His people. While we wait, we can grow our hope by thinking about how faithful God has been, trusting that just as He kept His promise to Sarah, He will keep His promises to us in His perfect time.