Genesis 15:3-5 (FBV). [3] “Abram went on to complain, “Look! You haven't given me any children, so a servant from my household has to be my heir!” [4] But then the Lord told him, “This man won't be your heir. Your heir will be your very own son.” [5] The Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up at the sky. See if you can count the stars! That's how many descendants you will have!”
Genesis 16:1-4 (FBV) [1] “Sarai, Abram's wife, hadn't been able to have any children for him. However, she owned a female Egyptian slave named Hagar, [2] so Sarai said to Abram, “Please listen to me. The Lord hasn't let me have any children. So please go and sleep with my slave. Maybe I can have a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai had suggested. [3] So Sarai, Abram's wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband as his wife. Abram had been living in the land of Canaan for ten years when this happened. [4] Abram slept with Hagar and she became pregnant. When she realized she was pregnant, she treated her mistress with contempt.”
Psalm 27:13 (NIV). “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
“Waiting for God” by In Touch Ministries:
“Trusting God's timing is always a wise choice.”
“Our culture is an “instant” society. A fast pace isn’t necessarily bad, but we should guard against becoming so set on immediate fulfillment that we can’t wait for God’s timing
In Genesis 15:4-5, after Abraham shared frustration about him and Sarah being childless, God revealed the couple would have a son and innumerable descendants would follow. Abraham believed God but eventually decided to handle matters on his own, building a family through Sarah’s servant (Genesis 16:1-4).
Abraham probably rationalized his decision, figuring that the Lord wanted him to have a son—and since it seemed impossible any other way, surely this must be what the Lord wanted him to do! But it wasn’t. Abraham had to deal with the consequences of his actions, including jealousy and resentment between Sarah and Hagar. These problems in turn created further difficulties, both in the short term and throughout history. The Lord was faithful, though—14 years later, Sarah gave birth to a son named Isaac.
Like Abraham, you might believe God’s promises but prefer instant results. Or you just want things done your way. Instead, ask the Father to lead you. Then wait for Him. His way may not be what you think you want, but it is always best.”
