January 4 - Genesis 13-17 Promises Worth Waiting For What are you waiting for? Who or what do you believe will satisfy and complete you? You may be waiting for Mr Right, your dream job, a precious baby, or any number of things to fulfill your hopes and dreams. Waiting is hard when you just KNOW your life will be so much better if your hopes become a reality. Waiting is hard . . . especially when years pass and there is no sign of your expectations being met. Often, the longer you wait, the more desperate you become. Sarai was fed up with waiting for the baby God had promised. She grew older every day, and her body showed no sign of pregnancy. Perhaps she questioned that Gods promises of children from Abram included her. Why is God taking so long? What if Im not the one to bear the promised child? So Sarai took matters into her own hands. She gave her maidservant Hagar to Abram to bear a child to fulfill Gods promise. However, things didnt quite turn out the way Sarai expected. Hagar became pregnant as planned, but Hagars pride and Sarais jealousy caused a jagged rift between the two women and Abram was caught in the middle. The consequences of Sarais actions not only affected Sarais family and household, but also generations of people who came after them. To this day, the children of Hagar and Sarai war against one anther as the Arabs and Jews fight for control of the land of Israel. But God had a plan. A plan to bless Abram and Sarai with their very own baby. A plan to bless the world through their offspring. Isaac would be the fulfillment of Gods promise. That plan was worth waiting for. Gods plans are will worth waiting fro. You may be tempted to take matters into your own hands, thinking God is just a little bit late. But dont risk Gods perfect intentions for you by relying on our own schemes. Waiting for Gods perfect timing can save you years of heartbreak. Remember, God is faithful and always keeps His promises... even if you have to wait. (1) Is there something youre waiting for now? What has God promised through His Word? (2) Describe a time when you took matters into your own hands. What were the results? Was it worth it? (3) How do you respond when your actions have unexpected consequences? Do you blame someone else, as Sarai blamed Abram, or do you go to God and ask for His help and forgiveness?
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:58:01 +0000
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