Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms

Read: Genesis 12-15

“Father Abraham had many sons.” We sing this song so easily, yet when we read these chapters, we are reminded that Abraham’s story did not begin with children at all. He was promised nations. He was promised descendants beyond what he could imagine. He was promised a legacy that would impact generations; yet, in these verses, Abraham has no biological offspring.

God promises Abram (yes, Abram & Abraham are the same person) that he will have a son from his own blood. At this point, Abram is about seventy-five years old. He and Sarai have had no children together. Abram longs to be a father and have someone to inherit all that God has given him.

“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you.’” – Genesis 12:1–2

God is generous to Abram because he is devoted to God. He listens, obeys, and follows Him even when the future is unclear. God says that He has plans and blessings not just for Abram, but for his family and for generations to come.

“Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them. Then He said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’” – Genesis 15:5

Along the way, Abram faces challenges and hardships. He still sins and he still struggles with fear and doubt. Yet he continually returns his focus to God’s promises.

“Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6

This is such an important reminder for us. We are called to trust God with the unknown. We do not know what the future holds, but He does. Our future is in God’s hands, and it is okay for it to be unknown to us. Obedience does not require full understanding; it just requires faith.

Reading these chapters makes me think of questions I often see in the Caffeinated Crunchy Christian Moms Facebook group. One that comes up frequently is about when to have children. In today’s world, we have many forms of birth control; a common approach in the crunchy community is natural family planning. I once saw a post where someone shared that she and her husband wanted to get pregnant during a very specific time of year so they could avoid having a winter baby because it would be too chaotic. I am not sharing this to criticize, but to shed light on the mindset. A baby is going to be chaotic no matter when you have one; but babies are also an incredible blessing.

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from Him.” – Psalm 127:3

My oldest was born on December 30th. Did I want to have a baby between Christmas and New Year’s? Haha … no. But it happened, and we are beyond blessed that he is alive, healthy, and now three years old. There are far bigger things to worry about than the timing of a birthday. I am saying this to myself too, as I deal with the mom guilt of a December birthday child.

My husband and I decided that we would be open to starting our family a few months into our marriage. We were trying to trust God with the outcome. Key word there is “trying” because I know it can still feel challenging; it IS challenging! We became pregnant right away; thank you, Jesus! The same was true with our second. We were blessed to easily conceive three babies and to have two of those miracles earthside and one in heaven.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” – Psalm 139:13

My husband was originally supposed to be deployed during the birth of our firstborn. Not great timing, right? But God had other plans. His deployment was delayed due to an injury, and by God’s grace, he was home for the birth of our son. Though he later missed the first eight months of his life, he came back home to us safely and earlier than planned. We knew that deployment was a possibility, but we tried to let God be in control. It took some tears and a lot of faith; but ultimately ended up being so wonderful!

Children are always a blessing from God. Too often in today’s culture, children are viewed as an inconvenience; something to fit into our lives only when it feels manageable. Scripture paints a very different picture. Children are a gift, entrusted to us by God.

Genesis 12–15 reminds us that God’s timing is not ours. His plans unfold in ways we could never predict or control, even though we often try. Abram did not receive his promise quickly or easily, yet God was faithful. Imagine if Abram and Sarai (Abraham and Sarah) would’ve lost faith in God’s ability to fulfill His promises or even denied the blessing of their son due to their older age. We could’ve seen so many different outcomes if they did not let God lead them. We are called to trust God with the timing of our lives, our families, and our futures. His way is better; even when we cannot yet see it.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. – Isaiah 55:8

Discussion Questions

1. What does Abraham’s story teach us about waiting on God’s timing?
2. How does obedience look when the outcome is unclear or uncomfortable?

A Note from the Author