Introductory Thoughts
Most problems have multiple solutions, yet some of the solutions yield newer and greater problems. Abram and Sarai knew the Lord wanted to give them a son. All they needed to do was to trust God to accomplish what He had promised. The problem—Sarai bare Abram no children. Instead of seeking the Lord for the proper solution to the problem, Sarai conceived what she believed to be a good plan. She wanted her maid Hagar to bare a son for them. This solution was indeed a solution to the problem, but it was not God’s solution. Hagar had a son, but this son turned out to be a thorn in the flesh of Abram and Sarai’s son Isaac. The problems resulting from their solution have lingered for millennia and continue to this day.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): When Saul failed to wait for Samuel to make a sacrifice before going to battle, he brought problems on his own household (1 Samuel 13:8-14; 1 Samuel 31:1-2, 6).
-
(For everyone): What problems did Abram and Sarai have before introducing Hagar into their solution? What new problems arose because of their decision to have a son through Hagar?
-
What should Abram and Sarai have done in order to find a proper solution? What would likely have been the solution given by the Lord? Would Gods solution have created these new problems?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask God to show you new problems caused by your self-conceived solutions.
- Ask the Lord to show you His solutions to your problems.
Song
WHERE HE LEADS I’LL FOLLOW
