January 25, 2022 - Genesis 16-18

Acting upon impulses can be dangerous and bring a great deal of suffering to a family or group. To go out for dinner on an impulse is one thing and it is quite another to suddenly decide to help God start a family! One decision may only cause indigestion for a night while the other could be disastrous!

Abram and Sarai had seen the display of the Lord's power in their lives for several years. They had also seen how foolish decisions could result in life threatening circumstances. Abram had been promised an heir by God and Sarai thought she knew a way to make that happen. At 86 and 87 years old, there wasn't a lot of time left for God to work or at least that was the appearance. So, Sarai determined to help the Lord out with what appeared like a great plan.

The impact of her plan has since caused repercussions for Sarai's offspring even to this present day! We may think we know what can work and how to assist God in bringing to pass the promises He has made, yet it is always best to leave the planning and execution to God.

If God has made a promise, it will truly come to pass but in the process, it may test our faith and patience to the limits. Unlike Abram and Sarai, we ought to remember God does not joke when He speaks. For Him, time or age is not an issue. Jeremiah was reminded of this truth when the nation was destroyed, and all hope was shattered, and life was filled with doubt. The Lord said to him, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know" (Jeremiah 33:3). Trust His word! It is a light in the darkness. What God says, will come to pass!