Genesis 16
Genesis 16
Patience is a virtue. I have heard this phrase often in my life, but what does it really mean? It means, “the ability to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person.”
Patience was not a virtue in Abraham and Sarah’s life in this particular moment. But we need to put ourselves in their shoes. In Genesis 12, God told Abraham to leave his homeland with his wife and go to the land of Canaan. God also promised a 75-year-old Abraham that a great nation would come from him. Fast forward to Genesis 16, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, have been in Canaan for 10 years and still have no children (v. 3).
In our culture, it is hard to wait 5 minutes for a cup of coffee without getting mad. Abraham and Sarah had waited 10 years for a child. It must have been difficult for Abraham and Sarah to wake up every single day to hope that she might be pregnant this time. I cannot even imagine.
But what we can learn from this story is very important. Abraham and Sarah decided to come up with a plan and use what they had to help God accomplish the promise He had made to them. That is not how God works. He doesn’t need us to tell Him how to do something or when to do it. All God wants from us is faithful obedience. Abraham and Sarah had forgotten that in this moment.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. If we are walking with God, seeking His face every day, patience will be in our life, because the Spirit will strengthen and guide us into it. Patience is about trusting a loving God and knowing He is in control.
In what ways, do you need to be more patient?
By: Brice Stockton
Patience is a virtue. I have heard this phrase often in my life, but what does it really mean? It means, “the ability to wait for something without getting angry or upset is a valuable quality in a person.”
Patience was not a virtue in Abraham and Sarah’s life in this particular moment. But we need to put ourselves in their shoes. In Genesis 12, God told Abraham to leave his homeland with his wife and go to the land of Canaan. God also promised a 75-year-old Abraham that a great nation would come from him. Fast forward to Genesis 16, Abraham and his wife, Sarah, have been in Canaan for 10 years and still have no children (v. 3).
In our culture, it is hard to wait 5 minutes for a cup of coffee without getting mad. Abraham and Sarah had waited 10 years for a child. It must have been difficult for Abraham and Sarah to wake up every single day to hope that she might be pregnant this time. I cannot even imagine.
But what we can learn from this story is very important. Abraham and Sarah decided to come up with a plan and use what they had to help God accomplish the promise He had made to them. That is not how God works. He doesn’t need us to tell Him how to do something or when to do it. All God wants from us is faithful obedience. Abraham and Sarah had forgotten that in this moment.
Patience is a fruit of the Spirit. If we are walking with God, seeking His face every day, patience will be in our life, because the Spirit will strengthen and guide us into it. Patience is about trusting a loving God and knowing He is in control.
In what ways, do you need to be more patient?
By: Brice Stockton
1 Comment
Thanks Brice! I sure needed a reminder that God's plan is always best! Trying to live that out, but your words were so encouraging!