In today’s message, we explore one of the most powerful names of God – El Shaddai (God Almighty). If you haven’t already, I encourage you to watch the sermon video below where we dive deep into this transformative truth. But for now, let’s explore together how this ancient name of God can revolutionize your faith journey today.
The 25-Year Wait: When God’s Promise Seems Delayed
Imagine waiting 25 years for God to fulfill His promise. That’s exactly what Abraham experienced. At 75 years old, God called him to leave everything familiar behind, promising to make him the father of many nations. Now, if you’re like me, you might wonder: How did Abraham maintain his faith during such a long wait?
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation.'” – Genesis 12:1-2
When We Try to “Help” God
Here’s where the story gets painfully relatable. After ten years of waiting, Abraham and Sarah decided to take matters into their own hands. Have you ever tried to “help” God fulfill His promises? Their solution was to have Abraham father a child through Sarah’s servant, Hagar. The result? Ishmael was born – but this wasn’t God’s perfect plan.
The Power of El Shaddai Revealed
It’s at this crucial moment that God reveals Himself as El Shaddai. This divine name carries two profound meanings that can transform your faith today:
- Strong: He is your ultimate source of strength
- Sufficient: He is everything you need
“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me, and be blameless.'” – Genesis 17:1
Walking Blamelessly Before El Shaddai
The Hebrew word for blameless is “tamim,” meaning complete, whole, or sound. This isn’t about perfection – it’s about wholehearted devotion to God. When we truly understand God as El Shaddai, it transforms how we:
- Handle waiting seasons
- Face impossible situations
- Trust God’s timing
The Generational Impact of Knowing El Shaddai
One of the most beautiful aspects of this story is how the revelation of El Shaddai didn’t stop with Abraham. It flowed through three generations:
- Abraham knew Him as El Shaddai
- Isaac blessed Jacob in the name of El Shaddai
- Jacob invoked El Shaddai’s blessing over his children
“May God Almighty (El Shaddai) bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you.” – Genesis 28:3
Your El Shaddai Challenge
This week, I challenge you to do three things:
- Identify Your Promise: What has God promised you that seems impossible?
- Release Control: Where have you been trying to “help” God fulfill His promises?
- Walk Blamelessly: Choose one area where you’ll trust El Shaddai completely this week.
A Prayer of Surrender
Let’s close with this prayer:
Dear El Shaddai, we come before You acknowledging Your all-sufficient power. Forgive us for the times we’ve tried to fulfill Your promises in our own strength. Help us to walk blamelessly before You, trusting in Your perfect timing. Let our lives demonstrate Your sufficiency to the next generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Remember: El Shaddai’s promises don’t expire. Whether you’re in year one or year 25 of waiting, He remains faithful. Your impossibility is His opportunity to demonstrate that He is, indeed, God Almighty.
Share in the comments below: What does El Shaddai mean to you personally? How has God shown Himself strong and sufficient in your life?