Strangers In This Land [Trust God's Timing] Devotions Day 2

When Impatience Takes the Wheel

Devotional
We've all been there—waiting for something important, watching the clock tick by, and finally deciding to take matters into our own hands. Abraham and Sarah certainly understood this feeling. God had promised them descendants as numerous as the stars, but after ten years of waiting, they grew impatient. Their solution? Help God fulfill His promise through Sarah's servant Hagar. It seemed logical at the time, even culturally acceptable. But their impatience led to jealousy, mistreatment, and conflict that would span generations. What they intended as a solution became a source of pain for everyone involved. How often do we follow this same pattern? God makes a promise, we grow tired of waiting, and we devise our own shortcuts. We convince ourselves we're just "helping God out," when really, we're demonstrating our lack of trust in His timing and methods. The story of Abraham and Sarah reminds us that our impatience often creates more problems than it solves. When we rush ahead of God, we may achieve something that looks like success on the surface, but misses the deeper blessing God intended. True faith isn't measured by our ability to make things happen, but by our willingness to wait for God's perfect timing.

Bible Verse
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “The Lord has prevented me from having children. Go and sleep with my servant. Perhaps I can have children through her.” And Abram agreed with Sarai’s proposal. - Genesis 16:1-2

Reflection Question
What promise from God are you currently waiting for, and how might you be tempted to "help God out" instead of waiting for His timing?

Quote 
Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram as a surrogate mother reminds us that our impatience can lead to unintended consequences.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I've rushed ahead of Your timing. Help me to trust that Your delays are not denials, but opportunities to deepen my faith. Give me the patience to wait for Your best rather than settling for what I can accomplish on my own. Amen.