In our fast-paced society, waiting can often feel unbearable. We desire instant solutions, immediate gratification, and quick results. However, in our haste, we often fail to consider the consequences that may result from manipulating situations rather than waiting on God’s perfect timing. Today, we will explore the story of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, as outlined in the Scriptures, and draw valuable lessons from her impatience and attempt to control circumstances by involving Hagar in her plan. Genesis 16:1-6 

 

 A Hasty Decision: In the book of Genesis, we learn that Sarah and Abraham were promised descendants by God. However, as years passed without the fulfillment of this promise, Sarah began to lose hope. Feeling frustrated and desperate, she decided to take matters into her own hands and manipulate the situation. Sarah convinced her husband, Abraham, to sleep with her maidservant, Hagar, with the expectation that she would bear a child on Sarah’s behalf. In essence, Sarah was attempting to fulfill God’s promise through her own strategy, rather than patiently waiting on His perfect timing. Genesis 16:2-4 (NIV) describes the pivotal moment: “So she said to Abram, ‘The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.’ Abram agreed to what Sarai said… He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.”

 

Unintended Consequences:  While Sarah’s intentions may have been understandable, her actions had severe consequences that she could not have foreseen. As Hagar became pregnant with Abraham’s child, she began to despise Sarah, leading to tension and conflict within their household. Additionally, the birth of Ibrahim’s son, Ishmael, became a source of anguish for Sarah when she finally gave birth to Isaac many years later. Genesis 16:5-6 (NIV) continues the narrative: “Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering… May the Lord judge between you and me.’ ‘Your slave is in your hands,’ Abram said. ‘Do with her whatever you think best.’ Then Sarai mistreated Hagar.”

 

Waiting on God’s Perfect Plan:  Sarah’s impulsive decision to manipulate the situation rather than wait on God’s timing serves as a powerful reminder for us today. Despite our desires for immediate answers and quick results, God’s plans are always superior to our own. He promises to fulfill His Word, and although we may become impatient, we must trust that He will bring to pass what He has promised in His perfect time. Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) beautifully reminds us of the blessings that come from waiting on God: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

 

Sarah’s story serves as a cautionary tale regarding the dangers of manipulating situations and not waiting on God’s perfect timing. When we allow impatience to override our trust in God, we risk compromising His perfect plans for our lives. Let us remember that even in the waiting, God is working. His wisdom and love surpass our limited understanding, and He will bring about His promises in the most magnificent and unexpected ways when we place our faith in Him. May we learn from Sarah’s missteps and choose to patiently wait on God, surrendering our desire for control and allowing Him to lead us to His best for our lives.

In His Unconditional Love,

Cathie