Bible Chapter: Genesis 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    When you think God is not coming through the way He should, make your own plan and “fix” things.  That is the picture here.  That is what so many people do and it never fixes things, but only makes life and circumstances worse.  We see the horrible results of not trusting God.  Sarai got impatient and came up with her own plan for providing the heir that God had promised.  Sadly, if she had waited it would have changed history.  But, she came up with a plan and Abram went along with it.  So, at age eighty six, Abram fathered a child with Hagar, Sarai’s maid.
    The decision immediately brought negative consequences and Sarai turned against Hagar.  God rescued her and she returned to Abram and Sarai and raised her son, Ishmael.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Learn to trust God and not come up with my own plans.  That is a very strong lesson in this short chapter.  It is amazing how a seemingly insignificant decision can have such a widespread impact.  Learning to do things God’s way is probably the most important lesson anyone can learn.  God had made an amazing promise to this old couple and they didn’t see how it could be.  God has made some amazing promises to all His people and often we can’t see how it can be.  Learning to trust God till the end is a vital principle in the Christian life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people learn to trust God.  Even when it doesn’t make sense, God’s way is always best.  It is the way of victory in the long haul.  God’s way is best.  Did I say it?  God’s way is best.  Always!!!