Scripture Thoughts #4

Genesis 16

In Genesis 16, even after God promised children to Abram and Sarai, Sarai didn’t wait for the Lord before taking matters into her own hands to create an heir for her husband. She used Hagar as a pawn to establish the lineage she thought was most possible and likely, rather than allow God to move in miraculous and unexpected ways.

We often only half-believe in God’s authority and promises in our lives. We believe He has led us to certain people or places, or that He has the power to change our lives; but we let our faith fall short where we can’t imagine the right outcome. We then plan to make half-baked promises unfold on demand, on our own time.

In the end, though, if God says He will do something, He’s going to do it. All Sarai did was put Hagar in a bad position and create strife in her household. But, as we know, God is a God who redeems the bad to produce the good. God shielded Hagar and blessed her; He gave Sarai a child despite her lack of faith. God will move when He’s ready.