S) "9 Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, 'Drive out this maid and her son, for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac.' 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because of his son."
Genesis 21:9-11 (NASB)
O) Abraham and Sarah have their own son, now. They had just weaned Isaac, when Ishmael is seen mocking them. Ishmael, who was born to Abraham by Hagar, who was Sarah's maidservant. It is important to remember, that this was all because of impatience about a promise. Abraham knew God was going to bless his offspring, and give him an heir of his own. His wife offered Hagar to conceive an heir for Abraham. Their plan worked. It's important to note that their plan did not alter God's plan. But, it did create a lot of distress. This passage shows the ugliness and mess that we create, when we try to hurry God's plans.
A) God's grace is quite evident throughout this story. Still, all of the pain for everyone involved is quite clear too. This story is quite a reminder that I need to trust God to fulfill His word when He sees it is time. I cannot grow impatient, trying to facilitate what God has perfectly planned. Waiting upon my Lord is a discipline that I still lack, I think. When I pray, I should spend at least as much time listening and waiting, as I do talking. I can't be lazy and call it waiting upon Him, but I also cannot be arrogant and call it active. Thankfully, God is gracious when I am hasty.
P) Father, Your goodness cannot be defeated. Abraham and Sarah were trying to force their blessings into fruition, and it caused a lot of problems. I never want to make those mistakes, Father. I want to be obediently patient. But, I also don't want to be lazy or afraid, worrying that my actions might be messing something up. Remind me of Your prevailing grace, Lord. Thank You for the mercy that assures me of forgiveness, and the grace that assures me of Your love. Let Your will be done, when You determine it is time. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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