Scripture to Read: Genesis 16:4-6
Yesterday we saw that Abram and Sarai chose to try and fulfill God’s promise their way. But we know that our decisions based on our feelings, if they don’t line up with God’s Truth will always lead to death. As we read Genesis 16:4-6, we find that Hagar saw herself as better than Sarai once she knew she had conceived a baby in her womb, and Hagar felt disrespect toward Sarai. So, for Hagar, pride and arrogance set within her heart quickly. Then Sarai blamed Abram for what happened. Now, even though Sarai was the one who first brought up the idea about Abram taking Hagar and having a child through Hagar, Abram failed in his leadership as a husband. When Sarai first came to Abram with her idea, Abram should have been the spiritual leader of his home and lovingly tell Sarai, “We are going to wait on our Lord to fulfill His promise in His way and not try to fulfill it in our way.” But, instead, Abram listened to his wife and fell into sin by taking Hagar and having her carry his child. Then, after Sarai blamed Abram for Hagar’s contempt toward Sarai, Abram tells Sarai to deal with it as she saw fit. We see here that no one confesses their sin, and everyone is passing blame and passing responsibility. Things quickly went from bad to worse, and Hagar ended up fleeing out of fear. When we’re unwilling to confess our sin, we keep the door open for more sin. Confession and repentance are the keys to healing.
Challenge & Application
What did God teach you today about doing things the way you think is best for you?
How are you guarding your heart and mind from following what you feel is right when you know it does not line up with God’s Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!