Again and again, God has reminded Abram that he will have a son...but when the years go by and the promise is not fulfilled, Sarai decides to take things into her own hands -- and Abram's faith falters and he goes along with the plan. This is when Hagar and Ishmael come into the story. This was not God's plan, it was a sad detour...that we are still suffering the results of today!
In Patriarchs and Prophets we read: "Abraham had accepted without question the promise of a son but he did not wait for God to fulfill His word in His own time and way. A delay was permitted to test his faith in the power of God; but he [Abraham] failed to endure the trial." (p. 145)
I hate to admit this, but how many times I've done the same thing... I believe that God has promised something or is working something out in my life (maybe a job, a ministry opportunity, a relationship), and instead of waiting on God, just like Sarai, I have the tendency to try to birth an Ishmael. Thankfully God is gracious and what the enemy means for evil, He can still turn and use for good.
So what is YOUR Ishmael? What are you doing in your own way and strength that you should be surrendering and waiting on God to do? Let's not make the same mistake that Abram and Sarai made. Let's wait on God. Truly He will work all things together (work opportunities, ministry opportunities, relationships, and much more) for good in His time.
Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 18-19, and Matthew 7
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