Story, Principles, Applications...

I was listening to a class this morning by a fellow teacher. She was teaching about Sarah’s meddling with God’s plan to give her a son, how she convinced her husband Abraham to create a son - though not the one - with her maid-servant, and the results for all involved (Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and Isaac). It was good to draw out some principles from the story and be able to make some applications - or raise some implications... I wrote a poem about it once...

Spiritual food for spiritual thought...

God does not need our help in any situation.

Wow. I don’t need to help him along the way to make things happen according to his plan or for my life, just continue to do what I am called to do, be faithful to the responsibilities that I have been given in following him, live according to his word and trust that he will do his part.

God protects, loves and provides for victims, though they usually have to suffer the consequences of their oppressors.

Have I been victimised or oppressed in any way? What has been or is my response in either situation? Do I trust that God loves me and has a plan for his world and my life, regardless of the terrible things that happen or might happen to me?

We have to live with the consequences of our own decisions, though we are still loved by God in the same manner as always.

As I make decisions in all areas of life, I should always think ahead as to what the results could be for me, for those affected by me and for those watching me… (Luke 14)

God will continue with his purposes despite our actions and our meddling.

What exactly are God’s purposes? That his word be communicated to every tribe, nation and people group in the world around. Am I being part of this in a positive manner? Or am I trying to manipulate things so that they happen in a way that puts me at the centre?