January 7th Devotion

Genesis 17:18 (NIV) 18 And Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"

Sometimes it is difficult to discern God’s will. The reason for this is simple; we want what we want, and we expect God’s will to be what we want. God had promised Abraham an heir, but was taking too long, as far as Abraham was concerned. His wife suggested that he get a slave girl pregnant, so that she might give him a son. Don’t try this at home. The boys name was Ishmael, and Abraham loved him dearly. Our devotion verse is part of a conversation that happened years later. While Abraham love Ishmael dearly, his wife Sarah, had no such feelings for the slave woman, Hagar, which put Abraham is a very difficult situation. Sarah wanted Abraham to force Hagar and Ishmael out of the camp. When God speaks with Abraham, He agrees with Sarah. Hagar and Ishmael must leave. Ultimately, no one was happy. Abraham and Sarah are fighting. Sarah and Hagar are fighting. Hagar and Ishmael become abandoned, and Abraham loses the son he loves dearly. This results in Abraham asking God for the wrong thing.

How many times do you think that situations similar to this have taken place? Not only in the lives of others, but in our own lives. It is easier to do than you think. We do something because of our own desires, and then actually expect God to understand and work it out. Abraham did finally obey God. How many of us would have fought God tooth and nail, not believing He would do anything against our will? Here are a couple of verses worth remembering: 1 John 2:17 (NIV) The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. And, Acts 5:39 (NIV) But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

Love, Pastor Don