Scripture to Read: Genesis 16:1-3
We know, from reading Genesis 15, that God established His covenant with Abram. But, as we begin our journey through Genesis 16, we find that Sarai and Abram decide they will take matters into their own hands. As we read Genesis 16:1-3, we see that Sarai decides that Abram needs to take Hagar, Sarai’s Egyptian servant, and have a child through Hagar. We all know that waiting on our Lord is never easy. Our “flesh” wants things done immediately and waiting often seems like a waste of time. But anytime we decide that our way is better than waiting on God, it will always produce a horrible ending. We need to always wait on our Lord, trust in His perfect timing, and then finally enjoy seeing His will fulfilled in His way. What Abram and Sarai decided was wrong for three reasons. First, God never told Abram that he needed to take Hagar and have her bear him a son. Second, God never told Abram, or anyone else in Scripture, that polygamy (having more than one spouse) was acceptable. Third, anytime we choose not to wait on God, sin will be committed, and sin always results in death (James 1:15, Romans 5:12, Romans 6:23). The sin of polygamy was committed against God’s plan for marriage - one man with one woman, bonded together by God. But the sin of unbelief in God and His promise was also committed by BOTH Sarai and Abram. Neither one of them waited for God to fulfill His promise in His time and in His way.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you today about waiting on Him and trusting Him even when His promise seems to be coming too slowly?
How are you trusting God in all areas of your life? Make a list of things you’re waiting on God to fulfill in your life.
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!