Many things in life does not seem to make sense when we look at it from our human perspective. However, know for sure that God loves you and He is sovereign. This means He holds the supreme power and He is still in control even when things go wrong.

When we read this story, it seems very puzzling why even before Abram had his son, God revealed a prophecy that his descendants will be in a foreign land and will be afflicted for 400 years. Why did God allow His people to be afflicted? Was it a punishment or retribution on Abram’s descendants because of some mistakes made by Abram or Sarah? Or was it some other power at work in the spirit realm?

It is not punishment or retribution because of mistakes made by Abram or Sarah.  Notice that in Genesis 15:11, it is written that the birds of prey came down on the carcasses. Symbolically, the birds of prey represented forces of darkness that aimed to stop the covenant procedures. The result of this covenant is that the Messiah will come from the line of Abram and the devil that had deceived Adam and Eve from the beginning of time is always at work to hinder the coming of the Messiah. The devil had set out to destroy Abram’s descendants and this was the reason why they were afflicted in Egypt. God allowed it to happen because God had a greater plan for mankind.

The slavery in Egypt, the deliverance led by Moses, the 10 plagues and miracles, the parting of the Red Sea, the pillar of could and the pillar of fire, the provision of quails and manna in the wilderness, the water from the rock and many other miraculous wonders exhibited God’s sovereignty and love for His people.  

Sometimes, we see believers going through many difficult challenges in life. Know for certain that God is sovereign and He loves His people. His presence, protection and provision will always be on His people. God allowed the challenges so as to bring them to higher grounds, to fulfill the great calling He has for their lives. These are the promises of God:

1. He is with you when you walk through the challenges in your life (Isaiah 43:2-3);

2. He will judge those who mistreat you (Romans 12:19-21);

3. He will bless and reward you a hundredfold if you stand in faith and follow Jesus (Matthew 19:29).