“Despite God’s promise, years went by. Still Abram’s wife Sarai remained childless. But she did have an Egyptian servant girl whose name was Hagar. Sarai had an idea...” (Genesis 16:1 VOICE)
God had promised Abraham and Sarai a son. But years went by and they remained childless. So Sarai decided to take things into her own hands.
“Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.”(Genesis 16:3-4 NIV)
This was not the fulfillment of God’s promise. Hagar had a son, Ishmael, from this union. Ishmael grew up to be a wild and rowdy man who was hostile to everyone.
When God’s timing doesn’t match our expectations, it is tempting to take things into our own hands. A little self-initiative seems like a good idea. We imagine that God needs us to help things along. However, the results of our meddling can lead to new problems. In our impatience, we may end up rushing an Ishmael instead of the promised Isaac.
Lord, help us to wait upon Your timing, even when it makes no sense. Grant us patience. Teach us to trust You.
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