God’s Long Story
Scripture Reading — Genesis 12:1-7
The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country . . . to the land I will show you.”
—Genesis 12:1
Sometimes God’s stories can take a really long time.
Abram (Abraham) found that out. God came into Abram’s story in a big way when he was 75 years old. God called him to leave one of the greatest cities in the world to head for parts unknown. The only thing Abram and his wife, Sarai, had to go on was a mysterious promise: “I will make you into a great nation . . . .”
But then—nothing happened for a long time. Years passed, with no sign of a family on the way. Then a decade, followed by another decade. Eventually Abram was nearly 100 years old, and Sarai was almost ninety, well past the possibility of a normal pregnancy. Their suspense may well have turned to cynicism as God seemed to have forgotten their story.
But then God showed up. He came to visit them in disguise (Genesis 18). He promised they would have their long-awaited child in about a year. Sarah laughed, but she soon became pregnant, and then Isaac was born (Genesis 21)! God hadn’t forgotten; he was just building anticipation for a dramatic plot twist.
Sometimes our stories take a long time too. Perhaps you’re in the middle of a long wait in the story God is writing in your life. Perhaps you’ve begun to think that God has forgotten you.
Be assured: he hasn’t. God is still writing your story!
Lord, sometimes you seem to take a long time with our stories. Please help us wait for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Ron Vanderwell
Ron Vanderwell recently became the senior pastor of New Life Church in New Lenox, Illinois. He has been a pastor for 22 years, serving as a church planter for the previous 12 years at The Gathering in Sacramento, California, and before that as a pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ron and his wife, Deb, have three sons: John, Adam, and Jake.
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