El Shaddai means “The All Sufficient One”. There are so many things to say about God being all sufficient I hardly know where to start. He is all sufficient to provide for our needs–both physical and spiritual. He is all sufficient to carry us through the storms of life and He is all sufficient for salvation.
We see the name El Shaddai, all throughout the Old Testament. We see El Shaddai especially in the life of Abram turned Abraham. Abraham was in an impossible situation. He was nearly 100 and did not yet have a child. Sarai was baron, and the thought of having a child seemed. . .well, laughable. It was physically impossible to conceive at their old age.
And yet God the all sufficient one, promised him a child. Not just a child. . .but that he would be the Father of a multitude of nations. He made a covenant with Abram saying, “I will be your God and you will be my people.” God was saying I will be your All Sufficient one. In every way, I will provide for your needs.
Now think ahead to Abraham and Isaac heading to the top of the mountain. . . Can you imagine what Abraham was thinking? Isaac asks, “But where is the animal for sacrifice?” And what does Abraham respond? “God himself will provide one.” I’ve heard many sermons on this passage by now, and I’ve heard many people talk about how horrible it must’ve been for Abraham to make the long hike to the top of the mountain to do the unthinkable. Indeed, as a parent, I cannot fathom being commanded to harm my child.
I obviously don’t know, but I don’t think Abraham was scared at all. I don’t think he doubted and I don’t think he fretted over sacrificing his own son. I think he knew his El Shaddai. God had promised to make him into a powerful nation and I think Abraham, while perhaps not fully understanding what would transpire, understood that God was all sufficient in His provisions.
Do we believe like that? I know I don’t all the time. I fret over making ends meet, or over my own children. . .and yet God is El Shaddai. I said at the beginning of this series that I think we often times don’t really know God the way we should. We tend to put Him in a box, defining what He can and cannot do. However, God is the God for whom all things are possible.
In light of El Shaddai, read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. How is His power perfected in your weaknesses.
Introduction to the Names of God