Love God Greatly: Shame BreakerSample

Sarah’s longing seemed as though it would never be met. She waited and waited, and despite God promising to give her a son, she had yet to see His promise come to life. 

Sarah took matters into her own hands. Whether her decision to give Hagar, her servant, to Abraham to bear his children was out of shame, fear, unbelief, or frustration, we don’t know. Regardless of her reasoning, Sarah chose to believe her way of doing things was better than God’s. Instead of relying on His promise and His character, she relied on her own ability to control the situation. 

When we are overwhelmed by shame, it can cause us to lose faith in God’s promises. When we desire something from God (a spouse, a child, a job, a healthy body) and we don’t see Him answer, we can quickly grow discouraged and afraid He will never give us what we desperately want. Instead of letting shame or fear take control, let’s choose to believe God’s promises. He may not have promised to give us exactly what we’re asking for, but He has promised He will be with us, He will provide for us, and He will comfort us in all of our affliction. We can trust His character. 

Lord, help me find strength in You in the midst of my struggle. Please show me You can work wonders in my barrenness, in the specific way it manifests in my life. Give me contentment with what You have given me. Help me to see Your glory in all things. Amen.