The Almighty God

God reveals Himself to Abram as “the Almighty God.” This phrase is from the Hebrew ‘El Shaddai,’ which means the One Who nourishes, strengthens, and satisfies. He provides all the needs of His children (Mt 6:32). God told Abram to “walk before” Him. This is God’s command to all His children – He wants us to obey and “walk by faith” (2 Cor 5:7), while having that intimate relationship with our Saviour Jesus Christ (Jn 15:4). It ensures that we are lined up according to His will and purpose (Ps 138:8), in our daily journey (Mic 6:8). Being “perfect” is not God’s demand for us to be sinless! Because we are still in the flesh (2 Cor 10:3).

Paul struggled with this because he knew that in his flesh, “dwelleth no good thing” (Rom 7:18)! While holiness and a godly Christian life are important doctrines (1 Pet 1:16), our sanctification is a gradual process of change. We are to demonstrate our “fruit unto holiness” (Rom 6:22), by being set apart to God from sin! When Abram was reminded of God’s goodness and precious promises (v. 2), he “fell on his face” (v. 3). The acknowledgement of God’s daily blessings in our lives (Deut 28:2), should also cause us to bow down before Him in “reverence and godly fear” (Heb 12:28).

 The phrase “as for Me” in verse 4, indicates that God established His covenant with Abram to bless him, because He wants to; and it is all dependent on Him and not man! I’m glad that our salvation is “kept by the power of God through faith” (1 Pet 1:5). God’s plans were already accomplished through Abram. Life is never always what we think it is when we only focus on our trials and obstacles. But when we realize that God takes care of everything (Ps 46:7), then we just have to be patient until we arrive in His appointed destination! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera