Last month Joshua reminded us of God’s calling Abraham out of darkness into His covenantal love (verses 1-3). Verse 3 says, “Then I took your father Abraham from beyond the River, and led him through all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac.” According to the Genesis account this took 25 years from the promise of a great nation (Genesis 12) to the birth of one son, Isaac (Genesis 21). And the promised son, Isaac was born to a man over one hundred years old! God is faithful but He is not in a hurry to accomplish His purposes! We are reminded that, “God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). Even though the promises of God may not be seen in by our own eyes we can be sure He will do it in His own timing. The apostle James also reminds us to be patient, “The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near” (James 5:7-8). Joshua was reminding the nation that they should be patient and not to lose heart. The book of Joshua also reminds us to be patient even when the promises seem delayed.
Brothers and sisters, are you weary and discouraged? Take heart in the example of Abraham. Though he received the promise, in spite of his unbelief (Genesis 17:17), Yahweh was faithful. Even when we are unfaithful and without much faith, just as Abraham laughed at the thought of having a child at his advanced age, the Lord remained faithful to His promises. “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases …” Psalm 103:2-3.
