In Control

Posted by Karah

Pause

Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Personalize these verses and offer them to God as a prayer as you begin your quiet time today.

Can you recall a situation where you took matters into your own hands? What was the outcome? Journal your thoughts.

With that experience in mind, read Genesis 16:1-15 in your Bible.

“Sarai said to Abram, “Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps through her I can build a family.” And Abram agreed to what Sarai said.” —Genesis 16:2

Mull over the last few week’s devotions about the covenant God made with Abram. Part of that covenant was promised children. But God’s promise hadn’t come in the time frame they expected, so Sarai and Abram devised a plan to make it happen.

What do you think went through Abram and Sarai’s minds as they waited for this promise? Journal a few thoughts.

Do you know someone who has patiently prayed and waited for God to work something out in his or her life? What have you learned from that person’s example?

Abram and Sarai sought to take control of the situation. When have you done the same thing? How is that taking over a role that only God should have in our lives? Explain.

The Point

God is a covenant God who wants to use our lives to tell His story of redemption. We must let Him have control.

Respond

In what situations or circumstances are you trying to take control rather than trusting God? List anything the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Confess those things to God.

Ask God to help you to rest in His faithfulness in those situations. List two ways you’ll choose to do so this week.

Are you struggling to understand God’s plan for your life? For further study, read Jeremiah 29:11-13 and Proverbs 16:9.

Behind the Story

Sarai’s plan for a servant to have her child wasn’t out of the ordinary. Married women who were barren were often shamed, so it was common practice for a barren woman to give her servant to her husband. The children born to the servant women were considered the children of the wife.³

 

³Life Application Study Bible, NIV Version (Wheaton: Tyndale and Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1991), 32.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Weekly Devotions