“He took him outside and said, ‘Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘Your offspring will be that numerous.’ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” This was written in Genesis 15:5-6. This is where God promised Abraham that he would become a great nation, with descendants as numerous as the stars. Abraham believed God, even though at his old age having a son seemed impossible.
Despite this promise, instead of waiting on the Lord, Abraham tried to fulfill God’s promise through his own effort by having a son, Ishmael, with his wife’s servant Hagar (Genesis 16:1-4). This was not God’s plan. It was the furthest thing from God’s plan and ultimately caused problems.
Thankfully, years later, God again appears to Abraham, promising that his wife Sarah would have a son and reiterating that it is through Isaac – the promised child – that his offspring would be reckoned (Genesis 17:19). And just as God foretold, Isaac is born in Genesis 21.
As we walk with God, it can be easy to be like Abraham. To try and control outcomes in our own timing and way because we doubt or grow impatient with God’s timing and plans. We think we know better or can “help” God out. But Isaac’s birth is a reminder that despite human limitations, nothing is too hard for the Lord (Genesis 18:14). Remember, Abraham and Sarah were well past their childbearing years. God’s plans will come to fruition if we wait on Him.
In addition, our impatience can create unnecessary trouble for ourselves. Just as Abraham faced issues by having Ishmael first instead of waiting on God for Isaac, our well-intentioned shortcuts can lead to complexity down the road. More importantly, taking matters into our own hands reveals a lack of trust in the Almighty God.
Conclusion
Are there areas of life where instead of surrendering them to God’s perfect will and timing, you are you trying to control and orchestrate outcomes? Ask Him for the patience to wait on His promises with faith. Don’t discount what He can do. Though all may seem hopeless or improbable in your sight, nothing is impossible for the Lord. “God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19). Surrender areas where you’ve been doubting or scheming, and allow Him to write your story and reveal His beautiful plan according to His perfect way and His perfect timing.
This is from one of the passages in the Bible in a Year plans. If you would like to start reading the Bible daily this year, click here for 5 different reading plans.