Faith Over PerfectionSample

Read: Genesis 23; Hebrews 11:13–16 

SOAP: Hebrews 11:13

These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth.

Sarah’s death as recorded in Genesis 23 served as a reminder to the audience (and to us) that God’s promises often extend beyond our lifetimes. The original readers of Genesis understood that even though Sarah (and later Abraham) died, God was still working to fulfill His promises because they were the fulfillment of God’s promise. They were preparing to enter the land of Canaan; the land God had promised would be theirs. 

From Abraham’s perspective, Sarah’s death was an indication that God’s promise would have to be completed through his descendants. The promise of becoming a great nation, of inheriting the land, and becoming a blessing to all nations would not be fulfilled in Abraham or Sarah’s lifetime, though they could see them coming. Abraham recognized his need to prepare for the future, to prepare Isaac and his children to be the ones who might see the promise fulfilled in their lifetime. 

Abraham acted in faith. He was still a foreigner in the land, with no claim on anything, even a small field. Traditionally, Abraham would have returned to Paddan Aram, where his family lived, and buried his wife there. Instead, he purchased a field and burial plot from Ephron the Hittite. By burying Sarah there, Abraham made Canaan his permanent home. This would be the place his descendants would return to bury their dead. This would be the land where his descendants lived. 

Sarah died in faith, recognizing God could work beyond her lifetime and fulfill His promises to her descendants. Abraham also acted in faith, believing that even if he did not see God’s promise fully realized in his lifetime, God would still fulfill His covenant. God’s promises are not limited by our abilities, our level of faith, or our lifetime. He will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing, regardless of the length of our lives or the length of our patience.

Prayer

God, Your understanding of time is so much more vast and complete than mine. I struggle to understand Your timing. Give me the willingness to wait on You, no matter the circumstance. Give me faith to believe You can and You will fulfill Your promises in Your perfect timing. Amen.