Trusting God's Timing: Avoiding Our Own Ishmaels

In the concluding part of our series "Relationships Made Simple," we delve into the profound lesson encapsulated in the phrase "Be careful what you ask for." Drawing from the narrative of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis chapters 12, 15, and 16, we uncover the perils of impatience and the consequences of taking matters into our own hands instead of trusting in God's timing and promises.

Abraham, at the age of 75, received a hint from God about a promised child, a future filled with descendants as numerous as the stars. However, after a decade of waiting, Sarah and Abraham grew weary. In their weariness, they decided to bypass God's promise by having Abraham conceive a child with Hagar, Sarah's servant. This decision led to the birth of Ishmael, a decision that would have lasting implications and bring about emotional turmoil, strained relationships, and a lesser alternative to God's best.

The core of this message is about the importance of waiting on God's promises and not rushing ahead to create our own solutions. When we act prematurely, we often give birth to "Ishmaels" – outcomes that are lesser versions of what God intended for us. These outcomes can overshadow the blessings meant for us, like Isaac in Abraham and Sarah's story. We are reminded that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect.

We must be cautious not to birth Ishmaels that may grow into burdens, overshadowing the blessings meant for us. We must also be discerning, not settling for knockoff versions of God's promises, whether it be in relationships, careers, or other areas of life. We are called to trust God's process, even when it's challenging, and to learn from our mistakes, growing wiser for the future.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Reading

Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV) — > The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”

2. Genesis 15:1-6 (NIV)
> After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

3. Genesis 16:1-6 (NIV)
> 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.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. 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; so she fled from her.

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Observation Questions

1. What promise did God make to Abram in Genesis 12:1-3?
2. How did Abram respond to God's promise in Genesis 15:1-6?
3. What decision did Sarai and Abram make in Genesis 16:1-6, and what were the immediate consequences of that decision? [04:46]
4. How did Sarai's feelings change towards Hagar after she conceived? [05:27]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Abram and Sarai decided to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting for God's promise? [01:58]
2. How does the story of Abram and Sarai illustrate the dangers of impatience and taking control of God's promises? [06:42]
3. What does the birth of Ishmael represent in the context of the sermon, and how can it apply to our lives today? [16:57]
4. How can we discern between waiting on God's timing and taking proactive steps in our lives? [31:19]

Application Questions

1. Reflect on a time when you acted impatiently and took matters into your own hands. What were the consequences, and what did you learn from that experience? [07:21]
2. How can you practice patience in a current situation where you are waiting on God's promise? What steps can you take to trust in His timing? [37:29]
3. Think about your speech and the power of your words. How can you be more mindful of what you say to align with God's will for your life? [22:02]
4. In what ways can you seek counsel from others to avoid blind spots in your decision-making process? Who can you turn to for wise advice? [29:43]
5. Identify an "Ishmael" in your life—something you created out of impatience. How can you address this situation and realign with God's original plan for you? [18:52]
6. How can you learn from past mistakes to grow in wisdom and avoid repeating them in the future? What practical steps can you take to ensure you rise again after a fall? [34:41]
7. Consider a relationship that has been strained due to poor decisions. What actions can you take to mend this relationship and restore trust? [11:02]