Really old.
This was ludicrous enough that on separate occasions both Abraham and Sarah laughed at God. It was unbelievable, for they knew of no one who had ever had a child so late. It was so hard for them to believe that after waiting ten years, Sarah figured their son couldn't possibly come from her body. She took matters into her own hands and Ishmael was born. Oh, Ishmael. Think of all that has occurred between the sons of Abraham. Even in 2013, they are still enemies.
Ishmael is what happens when we settle. When we don't believe our God is a generous God.
Charles Spurgeon says,
" The longer the gate is closed, the more vehemently does he use the knocker, and the longer the angel lingers, the more resolved is he that he will never let him go without the blessing."
Isaac is what happens when we make waiting and praying our sole satisfaction. Lingering produces a blessing even more abundant than if we had been appeased sooner. I think about Isaac and how his life brought his parents such joy in their old age. I can imagine them saying wholeheartedly that having Isaac late in life was more joyous than being young parents.
Because he was the child of their long expectation.
God is always drawing us near to Him. I think Isaac drew his parents to God because every time they looked at his sweet face they were reminded that God always keeps his promises. Even after Abram and Sarah tried to make up their own plans, God said NO. My blessing is even greater than this! If you would just wait you would see. Why would I make you wait ten years to let your Egyptian handmaid have the child I promised you?
He doesn't make us wait to give us some second place blessing. He makes us wait so the blessing will be appreciated. So when we receive it we will look up with wonder and say, "Look! Look what God has done!"
I am in expectation for my Isaac. I will pray until I receive it, knowing You wait until the perfect time. Let me not settle. Let me be reminded of the old saying, "He that goes before the cloud of God's providence goes on a fool's errand." My waiting is for your glory, Lord.
