Names of God: El Shaddai

Today let's look at Genesis 17 to discover what it means that God calls Himself "El Shaddai" or God Almighty.

That name may sound familiar to you because of the recent movies Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty. (On a side note, I would recommend seeing Evan Almighty. It's an interesting take on God's interaction with humans, and it's not about Noah's ark.)

Click here to listen to or read Genesis 17.

The first two verses are crucial in our understanding of God Almighty. But to fully grasp what's happening, we have to know a little about Abram (aka Abraham). It might help to read Genesis 12-16 to gain some background information.

If I were to give you "Cliff's Notes" on Abram, it would be something like...
God appears to Abram and makes him a promise. The problem is that the promise doesn't come true for a long time. Nearly 24 years after the initial promise from God, Abram is greeted by God in our story, Genesis 17, and God confirms that He will fulfill the promise He made to Abram so many years ago.

This is important in our understanding of God Almighty because it shed light onto why God is called Almighty.
According to this story, God is the God who calls us to walk blamelessly with Him. And as we do that, He is sufficient and powerful to fulfill his promises.

Yes God can do anything. But that's not the point of Him being God Almighty. The point is that He is able to fulfill what He has promised. And He is able to work miracles and amazing things in our lives. What God asks from us is that we would "walk with Him" in other words, cultivate an intimate relationship with Him.

Pray to Him and don't just do all the talking, take time to also listen when you pray. Read God's word, the Bible, and learn about Him. Allow Him to direct your life according to His ways.
If we will commit to developing our relationship with God, He will do amazing things in our lives. And we will be a part of His masterplan for the universe.

If you desire God Almighty to work in your life and fulfill his promises to you, walk with Him and obey Him. It might even be a good idea to see that movie, "Evan Almighty".

Blessings to you!
Pastor Arlen

PS- Here are some other thoughts from this passage...
1. God is able to do the impossible just like He did for Abraham. God gave Abe a son at age 99.
2. God desires an intimate relationship with us and with our family. Pray about leaving a spiritual legacy. Are you leading your family to follow God long after you're gone or they're at college?
3. In order for God to work, we must also work with God. He will do His part, will we do ours?