Most of us probably didn’t perceive our introduction in the same dramatic fashion as Abraham did. If we took the time to analyze it, we would see that it was every bit as dramatic as that one. It is easy to think of him as a more important figure in Biblical history then we are, however I would consider the opposite. Remember that God left the confines of Heaven for us, coming to us in the flesh, to live among our issues and concerns. He also gave us His only Son as ransom to cover our sins.

I would consider that were I able to write about your encounter, your first encounter with God, it would be every bit as legendary as Moses’, David’s, Paul’s, Peter’s or Mary and Joseph’s. It is more likely that this meeting came as a result of our need, then as His Will of a calling, though I am not sure there is a difference. From our guilt, shame, or desperation for relief from a situation we ourselves could not resolve, we looked for His intervention. It would be a safe bet that He answered our cries for relief with the same fervor as the encounter with Abraham.

In that meeting from Gen 17, God introduces Himself by saying, I am the Almighty God, which, in translation indicates El Shaddai, the God who is able to abundantly bless in every manner of blessing. It is my intent to convey to you that his becomes the absolute one stop shopping for everything we possibly could need. For some of us that is a tall order, eh? He is the only One capable of offering freedom from oppression and guilt. It is only before Him and with His word that you can feel the burden and blush of shame being removed from us. He is the only God who can unlock the doors of our addictions and free us from the chains of our misgivings. The list of metaphors is endless; He is the Calmer of our storms, the Healer for our afflictions, and ever present guide in times of trouble. He is El Shaddai.

If you engaged in this exercise then you have seen the truth in what you have read. It may not have been as clear to you then as it is now but God used the same introduction to you as He used for all of His children. I am the God Almighty! In that introduction He implied that He was the Provider for all your needs and the answer to all your questions. He is the Great God Almighty, El Shaddai, the everything of all you will ever need. That is quite an introduction.