Have you, or anyone you know, ever received a promise from God? Over the years, I've met dozens of men and women who, by the Spirit of God, were given a glimpse of an astounding future. When hope takes root, it is always exciting to see what unfolds.
In the ancient tapestry of the Old Testament, a divine promise echoed in the ears of Adam and Eve. God spoke of a son who would emerge from their lineage—one who would dispel darkness and restore righteousness (Gen 3:15). Naturally, Adam and Eve were excited about the birth of their firstborn, Cain. The proud mother proclaimed, 'With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man' (Gen 4:2).
Yet, this marvelous narrative took a tragic turn as Cain brutally murdered his sibling. To add a cruel twist, it was Abel, the second-born, who actually embodied the promise. Unlike his elder brother, he was a holy and devout worshiper of God.
Staring at the face of Abel's lifeless body, doubt gripped Adam and Eve. What does one do when the promise appears dead?
In the heartfelt conversations that I've had, similar stories have emerged. People arise in hope, only to face unforeseen challenges that left everything in ruins. How does one navigate such circumstances? How do you pick up the pieces when your world crumbles?
There's wisdom to be gleaned from Adam and Eve's journey. In the face of profound disappointment, they discovered a way out of the chaos. They recognized that life, and everything God has in store, re-emerges from a place of intimacy.
Scripture declares: "Adam lay with his wife again, and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, 'God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him''' (Gen 4:25).
With the loss of Abel, this aging couple found a way to regroup and get back to what really mattered. Instead of dwelling on the past, they welcomed a fresh start. Ultimately, it was Seth, their unexpected third-born son, who carried forward the righteous bloodline and embodied the promise.
"When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son in his own likeness, in his image; and he named him Seth" (Genesis 5:3).
Sooner or later, each one of us will encounter awful circumstances. Everything you hoped for might be lost in a moments notice. Experiences like this are so disheartening. What will you do when the promise seems dead?
I don't have all the answers, but I've found that it's helpful to respond like Adam and Eve—return to seedbed of fruitfulness and intimacy. That posture will enable you to turn the page and uncover a whole new chapter in your life.
Right on time. I waa contemplating all that has happened in the laat 10 years and How Good God has been to me inspite of!!!
Well done. I was young and now am old but through promises broken by me I’ve returned to a place of intimacy to reclaim those lost promises.