Devotional
At the heart of Sarah and Abraham’s mistake was a fundamental misunderstanding about how God works. They attempted to fulfill a promise of grace through human works. Sarah’s plan represented the age-old human tendency to believe we must earn or achieve what God intends to give freely. This tension between grace and works appears throughout Scripture. We constantly struggle with the simple yet profound truth that God’s blessings come not through our striving but through His giving. When we try to earn what God wants to give freely, we not only miss the blessing of grace but often create new problems. In Sarah and Abraham’s case, their works-based approach led to jealousy, mistreatment, and eventually Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. Sin invaded their household the moment they abandoned trust for self-effort. The gospel reminds us that we stand before God solely through Christ’s work on the cross, not our own efforts. His righteousness becomes ours not because we earned it, but because He freely gave it. Today, rest in the knowledge that God’s promises to you depend on His faithfulness, not your performance. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness.
Bible Verse
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Galatians 2:8-9
Reflection Question
Where in your life are you trying to earn God’s favor rather than receiving His grace?
Quote “The reality is she’s presenting a plan of works when God is promised the promise of grace.”
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace that requires nothing from me but to receive it. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to earn what You freely give. Help me to live in the freedom of Your grace today, trusting in Your work rather than my own. Amen.