A Compelling Truth: A 30 Day Journey through Galatians with Rob StanmoreSample

DAY 18

Abraham represents a lot of Paul’s case to the Galatians by reaffirming that we are saved by Jesus through grace and not by works.

Abraham had two sons.

Ishmael was born of Hagar, who was a slave woman. Abraham had received the promise from God that he would be a father to many nations. Yet he took it into his own control by sleeping with a slave woman, not his wife, who was barren.

Isaac was born of Sarah, who was Abraham’s wife. Isaac was born as a result of trusting God for a miracle. 

These two sons represent two different ways of relating to Abraham.

Ishmael was by works.

Isaac was by God’s grace.

I think many of us can relate to Abraham’s wrestle to trust God’s timing. However, Abraham decided to take it into his own hands and attempted to achieve God’s promise by human attainment rather than trusting God’s timing.

I want to encourage you today to rest in God’s timing rather than in your own striving. God’s timing is perfect.

Ishmael represents trying to receive God’s acceptance by works and by taking it into our control.

Isaac represents us receiving God’s total acceptance through Jesus.

Today, there is nothing you can do to make God love you more. Rest in Him, knowing you are fully loved and fully accepted by Him.

Questions

(1) Is there an area in your life that you are struggling to trust God’s timing? 

(2) How can you surrender it to God today?