Covenant Circumcision
Open Your Bible
Genesis 17:1-27, Genesis 18:1-21, Galatians 4:21-31, Galatians 5:1-6
BY Bailey Gillespie
Four years ago, the university where I was working went through financial difficulties and laid off several recent full-time hires. I was one of them. It was devastating since our team was like a close family. After reestablishing financial stability, they extended an offer to come back one year later; and because I was juggling part-time gigs at the time, I accepted. Here’s the crazy thing: it was a far better role than before and wound up being the closest thing I’d ever had to a dream job. The experience led to one of those moments when you think: I sure wouldn’t want to go through that again, but I’m so happy things worked out the way they did. I couldn’t wait to share the good news with my family and, like Abram, say in amazement: “Is anything impossible for the LORD?” (Genesis 18:14).
In Genesis 18, both Abraham and Sarah laugh after the Lord says they’ll have a son in one year’s time. What a crazy claim! Being in their autumn years, how would they have the strength and endurance to raise a child? Abraham responds by laughing to himself and asking if a hundred-year-old man and ninety-year-old woman can have a baby (Genesis 17:17). It’s a legitimate question. But God isn’t even close to being done working the miraculous into Abraham’s story.
God came through for them. He gave them a son, demonstrating it had always been His intention to further their family line. And the story didn’t end there. God not only chose to make Abraham a father, but also the father of many nations and the root of Christ’s lineage (vv.4–5). It wasn’t about how tired or advanced in years the couple was now; it was about the kingdom.
The reason why it’s so important to remember how God worked for our good in the past is because it anchors our trust for the future. My story didn’t have to end with returning to that university, just like Abraham and Sarah’s story didn’t have to end with a male heir. God could shape us and build His kingdom in a million different ways. In the end, we’re left in awe and wonder, laughing and marveling, just like Abraham and Sarah.
48 thoughts on "Covenant Circumcision"
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Oh how things work out so beautifully when we release control and leave our lives in God’s hand.
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❤️
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Thank you Lord for your twists and turns that help us see your Sovereignty. All things work according to your purpose and will and I love how you will are in control of every detail. Nothing is void for you Lord.
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“Live in my presence…..” That is my prayer today, to live in His presence because “Is anything impossible for the LORD?”
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This story reminds me of something Christine Caine likes to say which is “impossible is where God starts.” As long as we are operating in the realm of possibility, we usually just need to get our act together to accomplish our goals. We don’t need a financial miracle when we are overspending, we need to get our act together. But when we have exhausted our own efforts and laid our meager resources at His feet, then God can step in and do a miracle. It in those situations where God’s glory is made manifest, where we can’t take any credit.
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This is so good! Thank you for sharing!
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I have what I want, because of Jesus.
“a permanent covenant to be your God and the God of your offspring after you.” was given to Abraham.
God said,(my summary of words), “Oh and by the way, I’m also giving you all this land, nations and kings, too.”
Then God told him about Isaac, and Abraham laughed a, “Ok God, you sure have a sense of humor, but I’m in…” sort of laugh. The 3 visitors came and Sarah laughed too, more of a, “Yea, right…okay,” laugh. And, the Giver of Life gave them a son, for He is a promise keeper, His word is true.
We too, live in covenant with God, because of Jesus. Brothers and sisters, like Isaac, children of promise. We will face trouble because of the flesh but, we must stand firm and not submit to the yoke of slavery. Sometimes I laugh because once again I am amazed at God’s creative hand and outrageous love. Sometimes I laugh because I just think I am done, (which not good or easy at first, always turns out to be a very good thing, because it wasn’t about me to begin with). But every time, God is faithful, for He is a promise keeper, and His word is true.
Yes, praise God! A way has been made. A covenant has been given – I am His child. My God. The God of my offspring, for generations. All I want and need, wrapped up and given from the only One worthy. He gave Himself, once for all. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Amen. -
Yes! Bailey says it was about the Kingdom! God has a purpose and a plan! That little sentence really stood out! He would help Abraham and Sara! Nothing is too hard for Him!
As Churchmouse says, I wouldn’t have chosen some things I’ve gone through, but God has used all these things for good. My first baby was stillborn, and I was invited to a Bible teaching church after her burial. God used a woman that I didn’t know that Sunday to tell me to run to Him and not away. The pastor told us about salvation that day. I knew Jesus died on the Cross, but I didn’t really understand why. I had been in bondage in torment in my mind since I was a child. That day was a start of freedom in Christ. I have been able to help others that have lost a child, because I understand. I also had a miscarriage. I told my friend when she lost her baby that every life has a purpose even if the child never took one breath outside the womb! She said that really helped her, and I believe it is true. My daughter helped lead me to Jesus and so much more even though she never was able to speak. I’ve gone through money and family issues, my daughter was molested and we had to go through the court to have him put in jail, and my husband had an affair. No, I definitely do not want to endure these things again, but God has been faithful! He has used my daughter’s testimony to help others too. She said that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit told her in a dream to tell me about what “Pap Pap” was doing. She said she went to bed one way, but woke up changed. She was only 5 at the time. She’s never doubted there was a God like some of her other friends as they became teenagers. She has helped others, even adults, that have been through the similar experiences. Life can be so hard, but we have God. We have hope because of Jesus! We have the Holy Spirit to help, convict, and guide us. He never leaves us alone. May those that don’t know Him, find Him today!-
Oh Kristen, the Lord is surely with you. ♥️
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Praise God! He is so good!
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God is amazing. Somehow the twists and turns of my life are unraveled and made straight in His hands. At the time of the twisting and turning I was baffled and confused and sometimes angry. But in hindsight there was a purpose in it all. I wasn’t abandoned, forgotten, ignored or a failure. God wasn’t done with me. I held on to Romans 8:28. I also learned firsthand that what man intended for evil, God intends for good. I’ve witnessed beauty from ashes. I’ve seen a dashed dream evolve into a better reality. While the twists and turns are not something I desire, I know to stay the course and trust in Him who holds the road map. Like Abraham and Sarah I may at first wonder and chuckle. But later I humbly appreciate how wonderful His ways and I delight in His revelation.
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Love this!
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Thank you. I needed this reminder today.
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Well written from the heart; thank you Churchmouse for shinng light on His purpose. ❤️
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You have a marvelous way with words. As always well said.
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Amen! Me too!
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Thank you. I’m currently going through life twists and turns, and I’ve been feeling ignored, forgotten and even a failure. Your comment is beautiful reminder to hold on and trust God because “He will work everything out for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose.”
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