What steps can we take to ensure our actions align with God's promises? Seeing the Tension Genesis 21:9: “Now Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son Isaac.” Sarah’s quick discernment protects the covenant line. God later endorses her action (21:12). From this moment we draw practical steps for keeping our own choices in line with what God has promised. Know the Promise Before You Act • Abraham already had God’s word: “through Isaac your offspring shall be named” (Genesis 21:12). • We cannot guard what we do not know. Saturate yourself in Scripture—Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16-17. • Keep a written list of specific promises that apply to your situation; review them when decisions loom. Discern Threats to the Promise • Ishmael’s mocking signaled contempt for the covenant child. • Identify attitudes, habits, or relationships that belittle what God is cultivating in you (Galatians 4:28-31). • Pray for spiritual eyesight to spot “little foxes that ruin the vineyards” (Song of Songs 2:15). Separate from Compromise • Sarah demanded a clear break: “Drive out this slave with her son” (Genesis 21:10). • Jesus echoed the principle: “If your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off” (Matthew 5:30). • Practical applications: – Eliminate media or conversations that erode faith. – Draw boundaries with influences that pull you back into the flesh (Romans 8:5-8). Seek Confirmation Before Moving • Abraham hesitated until God said, “Do not be distressed… listen to Sarah” (Genesis 21:12). • Pause long enough to hear God’s voice through Scripture, godly counsel, and inner witness (Proverbs 15:22; John 10:27). Obey Promptly and Completely • “Early the next morning Abraham got up” (Genesis 21:14). Delayed obedience breeds doubt. • James 1:22—be doers, not hearers only. Trust God With the Fallout • God reassured Abraham about Ishmael: “I will make him into a nation also” (Genesis 21:13). • When obedience seems harsh, remember God’s faithfulness to all involved; He provided water in the desert for Hagar and Ishmael (21:19). • Philippians 4:19—He supplies every need according to His riches. Guard the Promise Ongoing • Isaac still had to grow; Abraham still had to raise him. • Continual vigilance: Proverbs 4:23—guard your heart. • Regularly revisit the promise, nurture it in prayer, and celebrate small fulfillments (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Summary Steps 1. Identify God’s specific promise from His Word. 2. Watch for anything that mocks or undermines it. 3. Cut off compromising influences. 4. Confirm each move with God’s voice. 5. Obey fully and promptly. 6. Leave consequences in God’s hands. 7. Keep cultivating the promise day by day. Following this pattern keeps our actions in steady alignment with what God has spoken—just as Sarah and Abraham ultimately safeguarded the line through which every other promise would come. |
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