“She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.” Genesis 21:2 NLT
Can I get a Woot! Woot! Yes, now we are in God’s perfect timing! Abraham and Sarah had their promise fulfilled by God!
“And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me. Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age.” Genesis 21:6-7
When it’s God’s perfect timing, there will be SO much JOY! While you are waiting for your promise, keep these verses close to your heart. If God can do it for Abraham and Sarah, He can surely bring your promise to pass too!
Now, let’s shift our focus to the wilderness seasons of waiting. In Genesis 21:8-20, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away. I know we went from JOY & LAUGHTER to the wilderness, but the wilderness is very real and important while we are waiting.
“So Abraham got up early the next morning, prepared food and a container of water, and strapped them on Hagar’s shoulders. Then he sent her away with their son, and she wandered aimlessly in the wilderness of Beersheba.” Genesis 21:14 NLT
As Hagar and Ishmael were in the wilderness, they ran out of water, and both cried. Maybe you’ve had those nights where you feel so dry inside and cry yourself to sleep? You just want to give up! You feel as if you are never going to make it out of this wilderness season. But God heard Ishmael’s cry, and God hears your cries too!
“Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink.” Genesis 21:19 NLT
God provides in the wilderness. He hears our cries. We must open our eyes to see the living water, AKA JESUS! Even in the wilderness, we must stay focused on Jesus. It’s not always easy, but we must reach a place where we say, "Even if I don’t get my promise fulfilled, JESUS IS ENOUGH!" We have to get to that place where we put self aside, laying it all down for Jesus! Return to that place of humility and total dependence on God. That’s the wilderness! It is designed to bring us low and shape us to be more like Jesus! Our promises are meant to bring God glory, not ourselves! It’s important to go through the wilderness, let God strip away the old so we can be made new.
“The boy grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer.” Genesis 21:20
God’s got a plan for you. Don’t worry, He’s not winging it! While you are waiting in the wilderness, God is building your character and making you into a skillful archer so that when you receive that promise, you nail it in the bullseye!
Now, you’ll find a set of discussion questions. I encourage you to share your thoughts and answers in the comments section. You can explore these questions on your own, with a friend, or both. Let’s support each other as we embrace waiting in God’s perfect timing. Please join the conversation and leave a comment below!
Also if you would like a copy of the FREE Guide "Get Up: Embracing God's Perfect Timing" that goes along with these blogs please go to shiftworthyministries.com and download your copy.
Discussion Questions:
1. How can we find joy and laughter in God's perfect timing, even when it feels like our promises are delayed?
2. What lessons can we learn from Hagar and Ishmael's experience in the wilderness that apply to our own seasons of waiting?
Action Step:
This week, spend time each day in prayer and reflection, focusing on Jesus as your living water. Write down any moments of joy or provision you experience, even in the small things, and thank God for His faithfulness in both the seasons of fulfillment and the wilderness.
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