Romans 9:8 In other words, it is not the natural children who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring.

We tend to forget that the Arab nations are as Semitic as Israel, but Paul’s point in what he is writing here goes even further than that. Genuine sonship comes not from pedigree but by repentance and faith. Peter spoke of God’s “precious promises,” (2 Peter 1:4) and Paul elsewhere affirms that all of God’s promises are valid: “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20) The catch, if you want to call it that, is that all that God has promised is to be received by faith. Someone who has no genetic connection to Abraham at all is still accepted as a child of God by grace through faith. (John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:8-9) If we refuse to accept what God has said about us, then we are refusing what He has done for us as well. We need to live as God’s children by faith, not being swayed by circumstances but trusting Him more than we trust our own senses. If we will do that, then His promises will be fulfilled in, for, and through us, for His glory.

I have a pretty good genetic endowment, but my spiritual endowment is far more important. I will walk in what God intends for me to the degree that I depend on Him and not on myself, not with any hint of laziness or passivity but in grateful obedience. I have many things that I would like to do, but I know that if I attempt them apart from Him they will be empty at best. I am swayed by my environment and circumstances, so I need to be aware of that weakness and keep my eyes fixed on my Lord. I need to remember that His grace is sufficient for me, (2 Corinthians 12:9) and I can flourish regardless of my circumstances because He gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Father, thank You for this Word of encouragement when I am feeling very human at the moment. It’s interesting that I would be so affected by things that seem so small even to me. I see people all around me who have far more reason to feel down. Help me be an encouragement and blessing to them by my obedience to You, so that the schemes of the enemy may be defeated as Your will is done, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!