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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; 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.” Genesis 16:1-2

Read: Genesis 16:1-3
Listen: Genesis 16

TODAY’S MESSAGE

This week, we see how waiting for God’s promise of a child leads to a breaking point in the family of Abram (later named Abraham) and Sarai (later named Sarah). God asks Abram to move and promises him, “I will make you into a great nation and bless you.” (Genesis 12:1-3).  Abram uproots and moves. Childless their entire marriage, Abram and Sarai have been waiting a decade for this promised child who will produce the great nation. Waiting so long is painful, and Sarai and Abram take matters into their own hands. What happens next mirrors the fall of humanity in Genesis 3:6. Sarai “took and gave” her slave to Abram the same way Eve offers the apple to Adam. Abram and Adam choose to go their own way and not follow God’s plan. Turning away from God’s plan is never good.

What we decide about God in the waiting matters. It can be a space where we cling to his promises or decide he has forgotten us. The breaking point in Abram’s family comes from their lack of faith, resulting in poor choices. This story shows us once again God is with us when things fall apart. God is good, wise and can be trusted. God always has a plan to work out things for good (Romans 8:28).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

You may be waiting on God for something dear to you—a child to come home, a disease to be healed, a mate to share your life with, or something else. Offer God this prayer of trust, “Father, I lay _________ at your feet because I believe you are good, wise and can be trusted. Amen.”

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

September is COMMUNITY. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.