January 8

In Genesis 16-18, we see the challenges Abram and Sarai face as they wait for God’s promise of a child. In Genesis 16, when God’s promise seems delayed, Sarai and Abram take matters into their own hands, leading to the birth of Ishmael through Hagar, Sarai’s servant. This choice brings tension and heartache, showing us the consequences of relying on human solutions instead of waiting on God. Yet in Genesis 17, God reaffirms His covenant, changing Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s to Sarah, and promising that they will indeed have a son named Isaac. In Genesis 18, the Lord Himself appears to Abraham, confirming that within a year, Sarah will give birth. Sarah, now ninety years old, laughs in disbelief, yet God responds with the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

This question reminds us that God’s promises are not limited by time or circumstance. While Sarah and Abraham’s journey of faith was not without mistakes, God remained faithful, proving that His timing is perfect, even when ours is flawed. Their story reminds us that trusting God often means waiting patiently and believing that He is able to fulfill His promises in ways we may not understand.

In Mark 6, Jesus demonstrates His power and compassion, feeding a multitude with just five loaves and two fish, walking on water to calm His disciples’ fears, and healing all who come to Him. However, we also see that, in His own hometown, Jesus faces doubt and disbelief. The people who knew Jesus as a carpenter struggle to accept Him as the Messiah. Despite their unbelief, Jesus continues His ministry, showing that faith—no matter how small—can unlock the miraculous.

These passages teach us two important lessons about faith: patience in waiting and trust in God’s power. Abraham and Sarah had to wait years to see God’s promise fulfilled, and in the waiting, they learned that taking shortcuts only brought heartache. Jesus’ ministry in Mark 6 shows that faith is essential to experiencing God’s power in our lives. Like the disciples, we may have moments of doubt, but Jesus calls us to believe that nothing is too hard for the Lord.

As we wait on God, we can bring our needs, doubts, and fears to Him, trusting that His timing and power are perfect. He is able to provide in our times of need, strengthen us in our seasons of doubt, and fulfill His promises in ways we could never accomplish on our own.

To receive daily One Year Bible devotionals directly to your email, sign up here.