Pregnant with Promise We first meet Sarah and learn of her barrenness in Genesis 11. The conception of her son, Isaac, does not come until Genesis 21. The chapters in between represent 39 years of waiting. Today, a woman’s “success” is not measured by the fruitfulness of her womb, although infertility is painful for any couple longing for children. In Abraham’s day, an empty cradle was shameful. And then Sarah’s hopeful expectation became the silent cynical laugh heard by God. God hears the pain no one else does, including yours. Because of famine in Canaan, Abraham fled to pagan Egypt. As a stranger in a land that did not honor God’s laws, his fear was understandable. He recognized that Sarah’s beauty would attract unwanted attention from the locals. His concern was not so much about her safety but more about his as her husband. If an Egyptian wanted her for his harem, he would have no problem killing Abraham. Posing as her brother made Abraham less of a threat. Since Abraham had not had the benefit of marriage counseling that instructed him to love his wife as Christ loved the Church, even to the point of laying his life down, lying seemed logical. And over the years, the helpmeet wife of the Garden had become more of a slave wife, required to do as the master commanded. Many people today, men and women, would have a few unrepeatable words for Abraham. Abraham devalued Sarah to save himself. But it would be hard for Sarah not to have thought less of herself anyway, living with the label of barren. Society’s expectation for her was fruitfulness. She had failed. After years of trying to get pregnant, what humiliation to offer her maid’s womb to Abraham. Only God could know the depth of her dissatisfaction, anger, rejection, loneliness and hopelessness. And then Sarah was pregnant. She knew, Abraham knew and everyone knew that it was impossible for her to bear a child at her age. And yet it became evident as her abdomen protruded more and more. And then her mourning turned to joyful laughter as she cradled baby Isaac—her own sign and wonder, the promise of God. Questions to Ponder: What longtime request has God granted in your life? What emotions did you experience when hoped-for became reality?

Write a Decree We have been commissioned by God to bring His heavenly purposes to the earth. Through humanity’s fall into sin, we lost our place of dominion, but Christ restored that severed authority to whomever receives Him as Savior and Lord. We have permission to speak and act “in His name” (see Matthew 28:18–20). In other words, we have Christ’s power of attorney—we represent Him throughout the earth. Jesus promised that heaven would back His people up in whatever they would bind or loose on earth based on His new covenant (see Matthew 16:19). In other words, we have power to settle on earth anything that has been accomplished through His finished work on the cross––with heaven’s backup. When you face situations that need God’s help, go into His presence to receive the applicable Word of promise. You will receive when you seek the Lord for His insight, wisdom and perspective (see Matthew 7:7). This is much better than figuring things out in your own mind. Comb through the Scriptures for God’s purpose, writing down specific promises that reveal His will. Search key words with a Bible tool such as a concordance or Bible dictionary. Discovering promises is a treasure hunt! As you receive many consistent promises for your area of desired breakthrough, you will understand God’s perspective regarding that area. Next, speak them out. Pray back to God what He has given you. Decree the Word into the need. The more you speak out the Word and the insights He has given you, the more confident you will become. Your words will hit their mark. It helps to write them down. Which promises excite your spirit? Which ones activate your faith? Those are the ones to decree. The Kingdom of God is voice-activated, so decrees need to be spoken. Just as God spoke the world into existence, so we can be His voice today, for He is still creating. He needs your voice. None of the promises in the Word will be activated unless they are given voice. Decree of Love: Absolutely nothing can separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus my Lord. Because I am so loved by God, I love others well. I love them as He has loved me. I am marked by love and for love.

Practice Being Still “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14 Just after they escaped from Egypt, Moses encouraged the Israelites with those words. Perhaps he understood that our natural reaction in moments of uncertainty is to restlessly bounce between anxiety and despair. Feelings of uncertainty can result in the prefrontal cortex in your brain “shutting down”: impairing your ability to solve problems, pay attention, and stay flexible. This increases your chances of engaging in irrational behavior and makes you more prone to anxiety, depression, and stress. That’s why it’s important to fix your mind on what matters by centering your heart on God’s truths. Stillness is a discipline that takes continual, conscious practice, but the act of stillness sharpens our senses and makes us more aware of God’s presence in our present circumstances. So, how do you practice being still? One practical way is by walking through the 3 action steps discussed this week: Acknowledge your limitations: Spend a couple of minutes paying attention to what you’re feeling, and name those emotions. Give yourself permission to not feel okay. This process helps break the cycle of intrusive, anxious thoughts, and helps your brain start to think through new ways to handle uncertain situations. Lay down your expectations: What’s currently causing you to feel anxious or afraid? Visualize putting those concerns into a box, and then give that box over to God. Ask Him to replace your worries with reminders of His promises. (You may have to repeat this process several times before you feel ready to move on.) Pick up God’s declarations: Spend at least 5 minutes pouring over God’s promises. Imagine putting them on like clothing, and ask God to show you which ones He wants you to focus on that day. (Some days, it may seem like God has a lot to say, and other days, it may feel like God is quiet. Both are normal, natural fluctuations in healthy relationships.) Whatever you face in the weeks ahead, remember that nothing you experience is uncertain to God. He was at work in your past, He’s here in your present, and He holds your future. Hold fast to His promises and trust that He is good. Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. James 4:13-14 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! ”The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:9-11 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” Exodus 14:14