Daily Devotional

A Ministry of the Kerwin Baptist Church

December 04, 2020

by Kerwin Baptist

Bible Reading: Genesis 17:1-8
Names of God – El Shaddai: All-Sufficient One
“And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly. And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, as for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.” Genesis 17:1-4

One of my first memories was being with my Dad at church as he was locking the building. As he and I walked through the auditorium, he asked me to stand at a doorway while he turned the final lights out. Being a four-year-old, naturally when the lights went out, I started to panic. Moments later I was quickly calmed when I heard my Dad say, “Son, it’s alright I’m right here.” He quickly came back and guided me outside. Hearing my Dad’s voice and knowing he was there helped calm me though I could not see for that moment.

Abram was at a point where he started to become tired. At 99 years old, he tried every different way to accomplish what God wanted by his way and his timing. Finally, God came to Him and said, “I am the Almighty God; walk before me and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee and will multiply thee exceedingly.” God proclaimed himself to Abram as El Shaddai: All-Sufficient One. Abram was at a breaking point. He had to stop running, stop hiding, and stop seeking other ways. God wanted him to trust, rest, and let Him meet to supply his needs. As we know from before, El means God, but Shaddai can be interpreted as one who supports or provides. This is with the idea of the only one who could supply. Many commentators compare this to a mother caring for and nursing her child. That the mother is the only one who gives life and nourishment to her child to what they truly need. God through scripture makes this comparison that He can meet our needs. The mention of God being All-Sufficient caused Abram to fall before God. And to confirm His covenant with Abram, He changes his name to Abraham “Father of many nations” and Sarai to Sarah. After this God proved to Abraham he could provide through His way and timing no matter the circumstance.

As modern-day Christians, this is just as applicable to us. We can rest in the fact that through Christ we can trust in El Shaddai: The All-Sufficient One. We do not have to scheme, run, or hide, but stop and trust in the very one who gave us life and salvation. Paul reminds us in II Corinthians 12:9-10, that we can rest in the grace that only Christ can provide. “And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” So today, with whatever you may face you can confidently come to El Shaddai: The All-Sufficient One who can care and provide for your needs.

David Fulp II