Genesis 17 Abra”ham” and Sar”ah”

In this section of Genesis, the Lord revealed himself to Abram as “El Shaddai”—God Almighty. And El Shaddai confirmed his covenant with Abram and Sarai, to bless them and make them the father and mother of many nations, even though at 99 and 90 years old, both felt like they would never have children together. Sometimes the most intense blessings arise out of our deepest despair and greatest grief. And when El Shaddai confirmed this covenant, he renamed “Abram” (Exalted Father), “Abraham” (Father of Multitudes), and “Sarai” (My Princess), “Sarah” (Royal Princess). Abraham’s name signified the numbers of descendants and Sarah’s reflected the royalty of their lineage. Though they lived for decades childless, they would have royal multitudes of descendants. When God blesses us great joy can come from deep despair. Don’t give up.