Thirteen years. That's a long time in any relationship, especially if it is silent. We have no record of contact between God and Abraham from when Ishmael was born and Gen. 17. Abraham is now 99. Perhaps he thinks the promise made to him will be fulfilled through Ishmael? God Almighty shows up and renews the covenant promise and gives Abraham new hope.

We have times like that in our lives. Silence between us and God. Usually it's on our end. We get ahead of God or lag behind. We do our own thing. Maybe God is finished with us? Then He shows up and renews our hope once again. If you are at this place today, take heart. God will complete His Plan A inyour life.