Today’s Reading: Genesis 16:1 – 17:8, Psalm 139

The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born out of God’s own fulfillment of his promise. – Galatians 4:22-23

At times our faith is handicapped by our fear. We believe in God’s promises but we panic and attempt to force God’s plan into action — God’s will, my way, in my time. Sarai tried to force God’s will in her own way in her own time by having Abram lay with her servant girl, Hagar.

WHEN WE ALLOW FEAR TO TAKE ROOT, THE NEXT EMOTION IS OFTEN ANGER.

My heart goes out to Hagar, a young Egyptian girl who for some reason had become a slave to foreigners instead of living out her own dreams of a husband and family. Now she was being forced to have sexual relations with her master. Hagar’s fear grew into anger when she realized she was pregnant with his child, while Sarai’s fear turned into jealousy when she realized Abram’s first child would not come from her womb. In reaction to these emotions, Sarai began to treat her servant harshly.

It would be easy at this point in God’s story to point a finger of blame on Sarai. How unfair it was for her to treat Hagar with cruelty when this was the consequence of her own messed up plan. But this is the point in the story when I need to stop and ask God to reveal the sin in my own heart. It’s time for me to humbly allow the Spirit to reveal the need for change in my life.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24

Hagar ran away, leaving the safety of the camp. She found herself sitting by a spring of water in the wilderness but she was not alone. “Hagar, Sarai’s servant, where have you come from, and where are you going?” (16:8). God SAW Hagar’s pain and met with her, but He sent her back to Sarai. It was not time for her to leave. God made it clear – my will, my way, my time.

AM I ALLOWING FEAR TO INFLUENCE MY DECISIONS AND MY EMOTIONS?

There have been too many times in my life when I, like Sarai, have made a human attempt to force God’s hand, and I made a mess of things. I panicked when God did not answer my prayers as I thought He needed to, and I decided to take matters into my own hands. This intervention was more than just a lack of patience, it was disobedience. I had to learn then, and I am reminded again this morning, that God always has a plan, God has a way, and God has His own timing. I can rest and relax in His Sovereignty!

“I am El-Shaddai – ‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” – Genesis 17:1-2

God again confirmed His promise to Abram. He changed his name to Abraham, which means “father of many’’, and God changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, stating He would bless her richly and make her the mother of many nations. At age 99, what God was promising to Abraham seemed humanly impossible, but God is Sovereign, and for Him nothing is impossible.

YOU ARE THE GOD WHO SEES ME.

Just as Hagar sat by Beer-lahai-roi and spoke to the God who saw her, we bow before you this morning, Lord, recognizing that you are an active God who sees us. You recognize what we are going through and you make your presence known. Lord, we ask you for clarity in some situations and faith in all circumstances. Show us areas in our life where we are trying to force your hand. May the fruit of your Spirit living within us be patience to wait for your perfect will in your perfect way at your perfect time. May we recognize you today as El-Shaddai, God Almighty. Amen.

Oh Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I am far away…
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand. – Psalm 139:1-6