ICS Daily Devotions
Meditating on the Great I Am
Mark 9:22-24 (NKJV) And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”
Abraham had to believe that God had called Him to be the father of many nations and the promise would come through Sarah. It was an impossible situation because of their age. Therefore, Abraham had to believe that God is truly the God Almighty. There was no other way except through faith and the refusal to look at the circumstances. Their faith was also constantly strengthened as they called out each other’s name. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham which mean “the father of many nations”. Sarai’s name was changed to Sarah which mean “mother of nations”. They were reminded of God’s covenant and the Almightiness of God whenever they call out the name of each other.
It helped them to be focused on God, His promises and the call upon their lives. They were reminded of the Almighty God who is omnipotent, self- sufficient, has power over everything and would be able to bring to pass everything that He had promised. Therefore, Abraham was not moved by the deadness of Sarah’s womb and his age but was fully convinced about what God had promised to them. He was well able to bring it to pass. Abraham had to be convinced that He is Almighty God when he was asked to offer up Isaac. Abraham had faith and was convinced that God Almighty would be able to bring Isaac back to life even if he had to sacrifice Isaac at the altar. The Almighty God caused Sarah who was passed the age of child bearing to have Isaac.
What was the father in Mark 9 supposed to believe in order that all things are possible? Often times there are more sceptics than people of faith, playing down the fact that He is the Almighty God who is good, all powerful, sovereign, creator, self-sufficient, self-existent, and inexhaustible. There is endless abundance to meet any circumstances, challenge, demand, and surprises that comes out of unforeseen circumstances. One has to come to grasp that He is the Almighty God and the great I AM. Meditation helps us to strengthen the conviction that He is Almighty God. Regardless whether it was Moses who was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt through the conviction that the Great I AM was with Him or Abraham called to be the father of many nations being convinced that the Almighty God had the power to bring the promise to pass, every one of us has to come to a point of conviction regarding God and who He is.
Consider the situation when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea while they were in the boat. Peter asked Jesus to instruct him to come to Him. Jesus told Peter to “Come”. Peter did very well when he had his eyes focused on Jesus. But he started sinking when he started to focus on the wind and the waves. Therefore, it is best to keep our eyes on the target when we know that God has called us to do something for Him. Meditating on the Word of God is the way for us to keep our focus on Him, His abilities and who He is. Therefore, it is imperative that we take time to meditate on the truth that He is Almighty God and the El Shaddai, and that He will bring to pass everything that He has promised to us regarding our lives and calling.
Sermon series: Meditating on the Names of God
