Receive God’s Promises - Isaac

Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. The LORD answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins.

Genesis 25:21

Over the past few decades, the world of professional sports has suffered a series of allegations that some of its most notable athletes have knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

Though some would argue that those drugs weren’t illegal at the time some athletes took them, most observers regard their use as cheating because they give users an unfair advantage.

The world of sports carries incredible pressure to succeed, and some competitors handle that pressure by taking shortcuts. They may achieve success, but they do it in the wrong way.

Isaac probably felt that kind of pressure. After two decades of marriage to his beloved Rebekah, he still had no son to show for it. In those days, a couple married that long without a child considered their lot to be shameful, especially for the wife.

What could Isaac do? Would he give up? Would he father a child with another woman like his father Abraham? Isaac didn’t even consider those options. He did what any man should do when his heart is set on something: He got on his knees and prayed.

Finally, God delivered—not just once but twice!

It took twenty years, but one day Isaac opened his eyes to a world that could rightfully call him “father” (see Genesis 25:20-26). For much of the time before the blessed event, Isaac spent long hours on this knees, reminding God of his promises, giving thanks, and begging him for a son.

So Isaac received God’s blessings in God’s way.

God has an incredible plan to bless you personally. When you feel tempted to run ahead of God and do things in your own way and time, remember that God reserves his best blessings for those who willingly submit themselves to his rule. That means faithfully asking for what you want and then waiting patiently for God to act.