THE ALMIGHTY GOD (EL SHADDAI)

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“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.’”

Genesis 17:1

“El” means God and “Shaddai” is derived from the Hebrew word, “Shadd,” which some scholars maintain is related to the maternal bosom. This offers us some fascinating insights. After Abram had wandered for twenty-four years without seeing the fulfillment of the promise, God revealed Himself to Abram as El Shaddai. In revealing himself through this name and its associated nature, God filled every emotional void that Abram had in his heart. In many people, most of the experiences that affect the heart happen within the first five years of life. What if early in life, Abram had gone through some kind of experience that left an emotional emptiness that no one could fill? God revealed Himself as a Fatherly God, who can do all things, and for whom nothing is impossible. He also revealed His loving and nurturing nature, just like a mother’s care that affirms and develops a child’s emotional maturity.

One of the most significant experiences of Abraham’s life was hearing God speak these words, “Walk before me faithfully and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1b). In order to walk before God blamelessly, we need to have a healed heart. For this reason, God decided to establish His covenant not only with Abraham, but also with every one of his descendants. God immediately changed his name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of multitudes). Through Abraham’s life we can see that a change in name also signifies having a change in nature. With this revelation, Abraham understood that he had reached the time when God’s promise to him would be fulfilled. This experience marked his character, and introduced him to the beginning of a new stage in his life.

God calls us to know Him in His fatherly nature as one who can do all things, who is completely without limits, and for whom, nothing is impossible, just like Abraham did. He also wants us to know Him as one who nurtures like a mother. This aspect of His love is frequently compared to the maternal and life-giving nature of a woman. A mother’s love and care for her children, builds in them emotional stability and healthy self-confidence. He can heal every hurt from the past, restore your heart, and fill any emotional void that you may have in your soul.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
Dr Derek Prince tells a story about something that happened when he was living in Africa. One day, somebody knocked at the door of his house, and on opening it he found a woman who seemed quite troubled, carrying a baby girl in her arms. She looked up and said, “We have heard that you adopt children. Can you adopt my little girl?” He answered, “We already have many children, and we have decided not to adopt any more.” The woman nodded and said, “Would I be able to come in for a few minutes to rest before I return on my journey?” “Of course, come in.” After half an hour the woman got up, and approached Dr. Prince to say goodbye. At that moment, the baby that she had in her arms looked at him and reached out her arms to him. This moved him deeply and when the woman was about to leave, he said, “Wait a moment, I have changed my mind.” He took the baby’s attitude as a sign from God. Later he shared how this is the daughter who brought the greatest joy to their lives; God gave her a special love for Israel, just as Dr Prince had always had. God will never turn his back on those who reach out their arms to our Heavenly Father; instead he will extend his mercy.

TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I know the ‘Almighty God’, I walk before Him, and I press towards perfection.”

Today’s post is an excerpt from Pastor Cesar Castellanos’ book, Declarations of Power for 365 Days of the Year: Volume Two.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING

    • Old Testament: 1 Samuel 9-10; Psalms 98
    • New Testament: Mark 10:35-52; 2 Corinthians 3

THE ALMIGHTY GOD (EL SHADDAI)