As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year (Genesis 17:20-21).
Abraham gets impatient waiting for God’s promise to make him into a great nation. With his wife’s consent, he has a child with another woman, Hagar. God reveals that his promise will be fulfilled through the child that Abraham’s wife, Sarah, will bear. But God doesn’t forsake Hagar and her son Ishmael.
A promise is only as good as its maker. We can always trust God to fulfill his word, but we must submit to his timing. God doesn’t need our assistance!
Lord, forgive us when we try to rush your will. All that you do is intentional and your timing is perfect.
