Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

Thoughts:       When Abram was 99 years old, God appeared to him and said, “I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.”
 
Several times in the past, God has promised Abram that he will be the father of nations. Yet Abram has only one son, Ishmael (now 13 years old), whose mother is Hagar. Hagar was the maid of Sarai, Abram’s wife.
 
This time, God promises the newly renamed Abraham and Sarai, likewise renamed Sarah, that a son will be born to them.
 
Discussion:      Why did God keep promising Abraham that he would be the father of nations and make him wait so long for the promise to be fulfilled?
 
Activity:          Remember a promise you have made and not yet fulfilled. Do your best to keep this promise.