When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.”
Genesis 17:1-2 NIV
Abram’s story offers profound insights into God’s mercy, faithfulness, and call to maintain a faithful walk with God. At the age of eighty-five, Abram’s wife, Sarai, suggested giving her slave, Hagar, to him in the hope of building a family through her. Abram followed her advice, and at eighty-six, Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. However, this decision, made without consulting God, led to unintended consequences.
By the time we reach Genesis 17, Abram is ninety-nine years old. Fourteen years had passed since he followed Sarai’s suggestion, a period during which Abram lived according to his own desires rather than actively seeking God’s guidance. Despite this, God, in His mercy, appeared to Abram to renew His covenant and awaken him from a “spiritual slumber”. God’s call was clear: “Walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”
This command suggests that Abram’s life during those fourteen years did not reflect a faithful walk with God. He had previously built altars and called on God’s name, but he made the pivotal decision to follow Sarai’s advice and take Hagar as a wife without seeking God’s counsel. This choice led him away from full alignment with God’s plan.
Outwardly, Abram seemed blessed—his wealth, household, and family expanded during this time. However, physical blessings and worldly success are not necessarily indicators of spiritual alignment with God. Prosperity can sometimes lull us into complacency, making us believe we are in the right standing with God when we are not.
Abram did not face any major crises, such as famine or natural disasters, that might have prompted him to reflect on his spiritual condition. This absence of external hardships may have reinforced a false sense of security. Similarly, the successful birth of Ishmael could have been misinterpreted as a sign of God’s approval. Yet, Abram’s actions were not in line with God’s original promise.
This teaches us an important lesson: God’s silence does not equate to His approval. Just because our plans seem to succeed does not mean they align with God’s will.
Despite Abram’s missteps, God’s mercy prevailed. At ninety-nine, God appeared to Abram, reminding him of the covenant and calling him to live blamelessly. This moment illustrates God’s unending grace and His desire for His people to realign their lives through a faithful walk with Him. He does not abandon us, even when we stray. Instead, He reaches out, offering us opportunities to return to Him and fulfil His plans for our lives.
Abram’s story reminds us that we must consciously examine our lives to ensure we are walking faithfully with God. We must never mistake outward success or the absence of hardship as proof of spiritual alignment. Instead, our relationship with God must be rooted in obedience, trust, and a commitment to live blamelessly before Him.
No matter where we find ourselves today, God’s mercy extends to us. Like Abram, He is inviting us to a faithful walk with Him and to align our lives with His divine purpose.
In conclusion, Abram’s journey highlights the importance of seeking God’s guidance in all decisions, remaining faithful even in times of abundance, and recognising that God’s silence is not His endorsement. God’s grace and mercy are always available to redirect us when we stray. Let us strive to walk faithfully before Him, ensuring our lives reflect His will and purpose.
