Scripture: Genesis 16
Abraham was 85 years old. God first called him out of Ur to go to the Promised Land ten years earlier. He promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the sand or the stars.
Why did God wait so long? Hebrews 11:12, describes Abraham “as good as dead.” This birth of a son through whom the God great plan of salvation would come, could only be seen as a great miracle and blessing from God.
God waited before fulfilling His promises so that Abraham had to fully trust Him and would develop greater patience and stronger faith to endure.
Heb. 6:12 tells us that Abraham inherited the promise only by patiently waiting. The message of Hebrews is that enduring faith is the basis of our salvation.
Doubts & Disobedience
Genesis 16:1-6
Detours
Genesis 16:7-16
Mercy
Even though Hagar should not have been given to Abraham as a wife, God watched over Hagar’s suffering – God saw her and heard her cries. We have a great God who is merciful and even when we don’t deserve it, shows compassion, kindness, and love.
Psalm 146:9
Psalm 147:3
“In whatever man does without God, he must fail miserably, or succeed more miserably.” – George MacDonald
Resolving Domestic Battles
James gives us a perfect description of family quarrels and fighting. But he also gives us the prescription for solving our messes.
Diagnosis – James 4:1-4
- My own selfish desires
- Coveting what others have
- Friendship with the world – temptations. At war with God
- The Devil – listening to his lies to distrust and disobey God
Prescription – James 4:6-10
- Submit to God
- Resist the devil
- Draw close to God
- Humble yourself
Application
Are you struggling with doubts about your faith or accepting God’s plan for your life?
Have you taken a detour in your Christian walk? It’s called a walk or a journey because we supposed to be following God, not standing still or sitting out. If you look at where you are and where you’ve been, do you see your life straying off the path? Are you faithfully obeying God every day and each step of the way? Or are you taking matters into your own hands – especially when things are not happening the way you want or fast enough for you?
Are you guilty of causing family fights and arguments? Blaming others for your mistakes? Refusing to apologize and take the first step to make things right?
- Submit to God instead of your striving for your own desires
- Resist the devil – don’t give in to doubting God and disobeying Him
- Draw close to God – Spend regular time with God in prayer and in His Word
- Humble yourself – This resolves problems with God and with everyone around you
“The victorious Christian life is a series of new beginnings.”
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)