The God who is More than Enough

Genesis 17:1-8

St. John’s United Church of Christ
Greeley, Colorado
February 3, 2026
Rev. Juvenal Cervantes

I wonder what would happen if we invited God into my life. God promises to do the impossible if we walk with Him and if we trust in Him.

Names matter. When someone tells you their name, they are revealing something about themselves. In Scripture, when God reveals His name, He is not just giving a label—He is revealing His nature.

In Genesis 17, God introduces Himself to Abram with a new name: El Shaddai—God Almighty. This revelation comes at a critical moment in Abram’s life: a season of waiting, disappointment, and unanswered promises. And it is precisely here that God says, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”

Today, we are reminded that El Shaddai is more than enough—strong enough to fulfill His promises and close enough to walk with His people.

1. El Shaddai Reveals God’s Unlimited Power

“I am God Almighty.” (v.1)

Abram is ninety-nine years old. The promise of a son is decades old. Humanly speaking, the situation is impossible. But God does not say, “I am God who tries,” or “I am God who hopes.” He says, “I am El Shaddai.”

El Shaddai means:

The All-Powerful One

The Self-Sufficient One

The God who is never limited by human weakness

God introduces His power before He restates His promise. Why? Because Abram needs to know that what God is about to say depends entirely on who God is—not on Abram’s ability.

How does this truth apply to us? We often look at our age, resources, failures, or delays and conclude it’s too late. But El Shaddai is not bound by time, biology, economics, or history. What is impossible with us is ordinary business for God.

2. El Shaddai Calls for a Faithful Walk

“Walk before me faithfully and be blameless.” (v.1)

Notice the order: revelation before responsibility. God does not demand obedience before revealing His character. He says, “This is who I am—now walk with Me.”

“Walk before Me” speaks of:

Daily relationship, not occasional religion

Integrity—living the same in public and private

Trust—moving forward even when the outcome isn’t clear

God isn’t asking Abram for perfection, but for direction. A life oriented toward God.

What does this mean to us? When we truly know God as El Shaddai, obedience becomes a response of trust, not fear. We walk faithfully not to earn God’s promises, but because we believe He is powerful enough to keep them.

3. El Shaddai Is a Covenant-Keeping God

“I will establish my covenant… as an everlasting covenant.” (v.7)

God does not make a temporary agreement—He establishes an everlasting covenant. This is God binding Himself by His own character.

Notice how many times God says “I will” in this passage:

I will make my covenant

I will multiply you

I will be your God

I will give you this land

The covenant rests on God’s faithfulness, not Abram’s performance.

How is this statement of a “Covenant-keeping God” relevant to us?

When God makes a promise, He signs it with His own name. El Shaddai does not forget, revise, or abandon His word. Even when we are faithless, He remains faithful.

4. El Shaddai Turns Individuals into Nations

“You will be the father of many nations.” (v.4)

Abram has no child, yet God speaks in future certainty. God does not speak based on current reality, but on divine intention.

El Shaddai sees:

Nations where we see barrenness

Futures where we see failure

Generations where we see limitations

God changes Abram’s name to Abraham—father of many. Before the promise is fulfilled, God changes the identity.

Here’s the “So What?” moment:

God often changes who we are before He changes what we see. Trust El Shaddai even when your present doesn’t match His promise.

Conclusion

Genesis 17 reminds us that El Shaddai is enough:

Enough power for impossible situations

Enough faithfulness for long delays

Enough grace to walk with imperfect people

Whatever season you are in—waiting, doubting, hoping—God still says,

“I am El Shaddai. Walk with Me.”

The same God who spoke to Abraham is speaking to us today. His promises have not expired. His power has not diminished. His covenant still stands.

El Shaddai—God Almighty.

And He is more than enough. Now, what is the greatest concern, burden, or worry in your life? Give God a chance. If not, what is your alternative? He is waiting for us to respond in faith in Him.