Scripture for this week: Genesis 16:1-16; 21:1-21
My Thoughts: My thinking has led me back to Sarah today.
At the time in history when Sarah lived, a woman who could not have children was looked down on. I’m sure Hagar, without saying anything, communicated her superiority and contempt to Sarah. I can imagine how Sarah was hurting not only from the reality of not being able to have a child but the reality that someone else could. Sarah also felt the ridicule from how proud Hagar had become to be the one to give Abraham a son.
Sarah seems to forget the part she played in what unfolded between her and Hagar and within Abraham’s household. She chose to take matters in her own hands and shut God out. She allowed her hurt and anger to override her judgment regarding her behavior. She even blamed Abraham! Since Hagar was Sarah’s personal possession, Sarah set out to humiliate her and drive her out her sight. Abraham told Sarah to deal with Hagar as she pleased.
Sarah’s faith was challenged. She set out to humiliate Hagar but the result was her own disgrace. Sarah shows the destruction that can happen within a person when they turn away from God.
Sometimes it is difficult to do what God is asking. Sarah took things into her own hands trying to do what she thought God wanted. Later she had to surrender to God’s plan because He was going to complete it in spite of Sarah’s attempt to shut Him out.
Looking at Sarah’s story has caused me to pause and reflect on my own life. With God’s help, I am looking for places where I may be shutting Him out because of some hurt, anger or desire to just put it out of sight. He wants all of my life to be surrendered to Him.
Scripture for Today: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10
My Thoughts: My thinking has led me back to Sarah today.
At the time in history when Sarah lived, a woman who could not have children was looked down on. I’m sure Hagar, without saying anything, communicated her superiority and contempt to Sarah. I can imagine how Sarah was hurting not only from the reality of not being able to have a child but the reality that someone else could. Sarah also felt the ridicule from how proud Hagar had become to be the one to give Abraham a son.
Sarah seems to forget the part she played in what unfolded between her and Hagar and within Abraham’s household. She chose to take matters in her own hands and shut God out. She allowed her hurt and anger to override her judgment regarding her behavior. She even blamed Abraham! Since Hagar was Sarah’s personal possession, Sarah set out to humiliate her and drive her out her sight. Abraham told Sarah to deal with Hagar as she pleased.
Sarah’s faith was challenged. She set out to humiliate Hagar but the result was her own disgrace. Sarah shows the destruction that can happen within a person when they turn away from God.
Sometimes it is difficult to do what God is asking. Sarah took things into her own hands trying to do what she thought God wanted. Later she had to surrender to God’s plan because He was going to complete it in spite of Sarah’s attempt to shut Him out.
Looking at Sarah’s story has caused me to pause and reflect on my own life. With God’s help, I am looking for places where I may be shutting Him out because of some hurt, anger or desire to just put it out of sight. He wants all of my life to be surrendered to Him.
Scripture for Today: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. James 4:7-10
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