Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife.
He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight. And Sarai said to Abram, “May the wrong done me be upon you. I gave my maid into your arms, but when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her sight. May the Lord judge between you and me.” But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your power; do to her what is good in your sight.” So Sarai treated her harshly, and she fled from her presence. Genesis 16:1-6 NASB
When I make decisions based on only what I see (without prayer), I may decide something very short-sighted and actually do harm. Oh how we need the wisdom of God that He so generously offers, if only we will seek it. How many problems in our world could be avoided? How many blessings obtained? Sarai observed her own age and the very unlikely possibility she could conceive a child and involving God came up with the plan to have Hagar conceive for her. Makes a little sense, on a human level. But, oh the problems that followed! I am not sitting in judgment of Sarai, merely pointing out what happened. She ended up despising and being despised by her closest friend. I do note that she rightly shared blame with her husband, who acted just as faithless. He should have stood his ground and a lot more.
How strong is my prayer life? What blessings have come from seeking the mind of Christ? What decision, big or small, can I reflect upon in light of God’s wisdom?
Lord Jesus, You are my wisdom. I am determined to seek You, Your will, and Your ways. Please speak to me as this day unfolds all that I need to know and understand. Thank you for You goodness. One prayer I specifically have is that You would reveal the wife You intend for my middle son. Oh, he is such an amazing man. The woman You have for him must be equally amazing. Who is she? Is it too soon to imagine what grandkids may be on the way?
