Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her servant, and gave her to Abram her husband as a wife. And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress. And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done to me be on you! I gave my servant to your embrace, and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked on me with contempt. Genesis 16:3-5 ESV
Oh, dear Sarai, we are so much alike.
You didn’t pay attention to God’s promise — then you didn’t wait on God’s plan to fulfill His promise.
Sometimes I forget the details of God’s promises, too. And, I get impatient; how heartbreaking it is to want something so badly and God remains silent, unmoving.
Sarai, when you presumed to know how God’s plan was supposed to go, you jumped ahead of Him.
But there are times when I, too, think maybe I should help God out. I think I know the way His plan will unfold, so I try to make it happen.
Then, when Abram listened to your plan, went in to Hagar and she conceived — the very result you were after — you became angry.
You took a stand on your self-righteous soap-box declaring poor Abram should be to blame for the wrong done to you — the very consequences of disobedience.
Oh, I have been quick to jump on top of a soap-box a few times myself. It’s just not easy to admit when I am wrong.
But, Sarai — it doesn’t end well for us, does it?
We end up hurting people, causing a tangled mess for God to straighten out — complicating His plans. We get so upset at the trouble we have caused, yet we blame others for our disobedience. All the while, we have delayed God’s plan.
If only we could just trust Him — no matter how long it takes. Waiting on God’s plan is far better than moving ahead with my own plan.
Lord, forgive me when I am impatient. Forgive me when I let my thoughts become my guide rather than my faith in Your Word.
Thank you for loving me when I mess up and don’t wait on You. Thank you that Your promises are everlasting and true, even when I get in the way.
What ways have you found it hard to wait for God to fulfill His promises in your life?
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
Patience in the waiting. Yuck! I find that if I take my eyes from God in those moments the discouragement pushes me into actions I regret. I, too, can relate to Sarai.
Waiting is one of the hardest things to do. It takes such great patience, but when we wait for God’s timing we will never be disappointed. Rushing ahead only brings pain and heartache. May we all learn this important lesson!
Stephanie, love how much punch you pack in a short post – I enjoyed revisiting Sarai’s story. I am not good at waiting. Waiting on Him to affirm, yes, you should write that book. Waiting on Him to show me ways to help my son with autism. Oh the waiting. But yet I know it’s all in His good timing and I have to be sure not to miss the daily gifts He’s giving me & teaching me while waiting. Have a great day sweet friend!
Yes, waiting can be so hard! I hate waiting. But the waiting is easier when I remember that God has a plan and the waiting is for a reason. His ways are perfect.
Oh yes! I have been this girl Stephanie. Demanding. Frustrated and yelling. It doesn’t go over well. Thank you for reminding me of how I should not go there! Cheering you from the #RaRalinkup on Purposeful Faith.