Scripture Focus: Genesis 17:1; Galatians 3:3
Between Genesis 16 and 17:1, there were 13 years of silence. For over a decade, Abram lived
with Ishmael, a false sense of victory, a product of human effort. This mirrors how the Jews lived
under the Law for 1,500 years, striving but never attaining true righteousness.
Ishmael symbolizes human effort without divine fulfillment (2 Timothy 3:5). When we rely on our
strength rather than God’s promise, we may experience temporary success but not the fullness
of His will. Yet, after 13 years of silence, God spoke again, because grace always returns to
realign us. No matter how long it has been, God is never truly silent, He is preparing you for
what’s next.
Prayer: Lord, help me not to settle for false victories. Teach me to wait on Your perfect promise.
Amen.
Further Reading: Galatians 3:10-11; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 10:1.