Scripture to Read: Genesis 21:1-3
As we ended yesterday’s devotion, we were reminded that Abraham still did not have it all together. He still struggled in his faith. Two times Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister (instead of his wife) because he feared that he might die because of her beauty (Genesis 12:10-20; Genesis 20:1-18). We also saw that Abraham tried to fulfill God’s promise his way. Instead of trusting what God had told him, Abraham chose to listen to Sarah by using Hagar as a surrogate to bear his son. Now, with all of that as a reminder of where Abraham had walked with God, and at times with great struggle, we find in Genesis 21 God fulfilling His promise to Abraham. Why? Because God ALWAYS fulfills His promises. God’s Word can always be trusted, even in times of tests and trials. God had made His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12 when Abraham was 75 years old. In Genesis 21, Abraham was 100 years old, so he waited for a promised child for 25 years. If we are not careful, we will try and hurry God’s promises; but, when we do this, we act in outright disobedience, and then we suffer the consequences of our disobedient choices (Hebrews 12:5-11). Remember that Abraham and Sarah tried to hurry God’s promise and because of their disobedience, Ishmael was born. The consequence of Abraham’s disobedience was that almost all of Ishmael’s descendants have been enemies of God and His people. Therefore, we must always wait on God and trust Him and His Word completely.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about waiting on Him and on the promises in His Word?
2. How are you practicing godly patience (Galatians 5:22) each day and waiting on the Lord to do what only He can do in you?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!