Genesis 16:2

New International Version

The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.

For Encouragement

Disappointment often leads to skepticism, which, when unchecked, could destroy the foundation of our faith. Many have aborted their trust in the word of God because they waited long enough to see the evidence of their faith, but they found themselves hung dry. The promise arouses their appetite, and they can almost taste it. However, something always interferes with and disrupts events. Like a mirage, the promise moves ahead and stands solid ahead of them, so they continue to trust. They believe the well-meaning folks who encourage them to hold on for a little longer and everything will be alright. What else could they do to continue to believe than to walk away the tenth time, shaking their heads?

God promised Abraham a son by whom He would raise uncountable descendants for him (Gen. 15:5). Abraham believed God, and He credited it to him as righteousness (6). About twenty-one years passed, and Sarah remained childless. The waiting tried her faith beyond bearable. Will God ever come through for them as He had promised on oath with a covenant? She had grown beyond childbearing age, so how could He?

Hagar comes to mind. She is young and looks fruitful, so why not help God a little with her while Abraham has some strength? (16:1-4). As Alistair Begg puts it: Would they allow the questions of their hearts to overturn their faith, or would they allow their faith to overturn the questions of their hearts?

We all stand between faith and unbelief that way sometimes. The questions of our hearts often overwhelm our faith, and we walk away from God, shaking our heads. It is not because we do not believe what God has said. The lapse of time, the urgency of the matter, and the world’s noise drown our faith and weaken our determination, making us vulnerable to unbelief and abandoned faith. Abraham and Sarah got there, and Ismael became the evidence—the son of the flesh and not of the promise (Gal. 4:24-25).

The man at the foot of the Mt. of Transfiguration succinctly expressed this dichotomy in answer to Jesus.

Lord, I do believe; help my unbelief! (Mk. 9:24).

This quote powerfully expresses the tension between faith and doubt that we all experience. It’s a prayer for God’s help in overcoming our doubts and strengthening our faith. He brought his son to the Lord for healing because he believed in His ability. However, the disciples’ inability to heal the boy shook his faith(22). Now, he begged the Lord to help him overcome his sneaky unbelief. Apart from Jesus, we are helpless.

Though our self-effort may prove successful sometimes, it does not guarantee God’s will, purpose, and intention for our lives, as the case of Sarah and Abraham shows. What works does not always conform to what is right before God. Sometimes, intervening complicates matters rather than letting things remain and develop by divine progression—natural progression. Our Sovereign God is always in control, so we must leave everything in His hands, regardless.

So, what do you need to leave in God’s hands this week and wait for His providence and timing? When you take that stand, look away from everything except Jesus and hold on to His promises. Trust me. He will never fail you.

Pray with Me

Lord, just like the boy’s father, I too cry out to you this morning that you would help my unbelief. Give me the strength to continue to wait on you, being confident that You are not a man that You should lie. Grant me peace as I wait for you to make my path straight. In Christ Jesus my Lord. Amen!