Genesis 21:1-8

“The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised. ²Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the time of which God had spoken to him. ³Abraham gave the name Isaac to his son whom Sarah bore him. ⁴And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. ⁵Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. ⁶Now Sarah said, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.” ⁷And she said, “Who would ever have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” ⁸The child grew, and was weaned; and Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.”

Prayer

Gracious Lord, what celebration must have been in Sarah and Abraham’s home as Isaac was born. What joy comes in seeing your promise in the faces that surround me, whether it is my family or a friend or even a kind stranger around the corner. Thank you. As I wrapped myself in all the worries, grumbling and complaining of it is not fair, you draw my eyes out. You require me to open my hands and my arms and accept the outstretched arms of those willing to help. May I see accepting help as a strength and not a weakness, as Jesus surrounded himself with helpers too. And may I be that voice who says, “I can help you as well.” Lord, I am grateful for the ways you equip and call me to be a shepherd and servant. Amen.