Devotional
Have you ever grown impatient waiting for God to fulfill a promise? Sarah certainly did. After ten years of waiting for the child God had promised, she decided to take matters into her own hands. She offered her servant Hagar to Abraham as a way to “help” God fulfill His promise. How often do we do the same? When God’s timing doesn’t match our expectations, we devise our own plans to make His promises happen. But God doesn’t need our assistance to accomplish His purposes. His promises don’t depend on our ingenuity or effort—they rest entirely on His faithfulness. When Sarah tried to fulfill God’s promise through human effort, it created chaos. Relationships were damaged, and pain ensued. This is what happens when we substitute works for grace, when we try to earn or manufacture what God intends to give freely. Today, consider where you might be trying to “help” God. Are you manipulating circumstances, rushing ahead of His timing, or relying on your own strength rather than waiting for His provision? Remember that God’s promises are already settled in heaven. Our role is not to fulfill them but to faithfully wait for them to unfold in His perfect timing.
Bible Verse
“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. She had a female Egyptian servant whose name was Hagar. 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.’ And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai.” – Genesis 16:1-2
Reflection Question
In what area of your life are you tempted to take control rather than trusting God’s timing and methods?
Quote “God doesn’t need our help to fulfill his promise. And God doesn’t ask for our help to fulfill his promise. He will fulfill his promise by his own self.”
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to fulfill Your promises through my own efforts. Help me to trust Your timing and methods completely. Teach me to wait with patience and faith, knowing that You are faithful to fulfill every promise You’ve made. Amen.