When Ishmael Comes Before Isaac

Ever found yourself in a situation where you are trying to force things?

Where you are doing so much by your own effort?

Where you are trying to make that job work on your own?

Where you are devising plans to get that relationship or marriage to work?

Well, Sarah certainly has.

Unable to believe the promise of God upon her life to birth a child, she coerced her husband Abram to go in for Hagar and then Ishmael became the result.

And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.” (ESV Genesis 16:2)

But Ishmael wasn’t what God promised to give her; God promised to give her an Isaac.

Perhaps in this preparation stage, you are trying to create your own Ishmael-

You’ve been trying to birth a situation out of your own works or efforts as compared to a situation of total faith and surrender.

Well, you need to be careful of this because this may only lead to division.

Division?

Yup.

Moving through life by your own works is sure to bring a division between you and God, why because faith pleases God and to build and walk in a relationship with God; you need faith.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God.” (ESV Hebrews 11:6)

Let’s look at a scenario of a relationship filled with works shall we?

Meet Mabel

“Oh dear, I have been waiting and waiting to be in a relationship. You know what, I am just going to date Michael; time is going!” said Mabel 3 months ago.

Now 3 months later.

“Why isn’t he answering my calls?” she whined, trying his number for the sixth time in a row.

Finally, on the seventh try he answered her call.

“Can we meet today?” she asked.

“- I’m busy.”

“- but we haven’t seen each other all week!”

“- Mabel, I have a lot to do. Arrange to meet me another time, I have to go.”

Whew.

Doesn’t Mabel’s situation sound exhausting??

Isn’t that so much energy exerted?

Thats the same way Sarah felt. After bringing in Ishmael before the promise God had for her, she regretted her own works. She regretted the situation in which she herself had created.

Yet watch what happened when she waited for God’s promise… when she waited for Isaac.

“And Sarah said, God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” (ESV Genesis 21:6)

Laughter comes when you wait for God’s promise. An overflow of laughter will fill your mouth when you trust God for what He has for you!

In this Queen Esther Preparation journey learn not to let your works (Ishmael) go before your faith (Isaac),

Learn to believe God for your Isaac

Jesus Loves you and I do too,

Queens in Christ,

Ann Adu-Darko❤️