The Thread: Part IISample

Whose Matters are in Whose Hands?

Did you notice when Sarai tried to modify God’s plan according to her timeline and understanding? She asked her husband to have a baby with the maid because she felt too old to have one of her own. Sarai gets a bad rap for this, but it was a common practice at the time. What should stand out was how Abram was distracted and paid attention to the wrong voice.

Abram and Sarai were in a humanly impossible situation. They knew God’s promise but couldn’t see how it would be fulfilled because Sarai was elderly and barren. So, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Sarai rationalized the circumstance and justified her decision according to her perspective. Abram was convinced because it made logical sense. Even though they knew the promise, they left God behind and tried to figure it out for themselves. However, God had promised that he would do it his way.

God’s promises are his. Therefore, his matters are in his hands, not for us to control. It’s easy for us to lose patience and only react to what we understand. Abram and Sarai didn’t have ill intentions, but their way caused more friction than necessary. Abram paid attention to Sarai’s voice rather than focusing on God’s voice. Sarai was trying to be the mediator between Abram and God’s promise. Nevertheless, we must remember that faith means knowing the reality of our hope and the proof of what we can’t comprehend. Today, we don’t need Sarai or anyone else because Jesus is our mediator.

Question: Have you ever tried to enforce a promise from God to happen according to your timeline and understanding? How often do you ask whose matters are in whose hands when you get impatient and desire control?

Prayer: Ask God to reveal his character to you as you wait for him and for the grace to keep in step with his timing.