Bible Reading: Genesis 16:1-5
Memory Verse: Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)
“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”
As a continuation of the previous lesson, we can see how doubt operated in Abraham’s family, leading to the birth of Ishmael. Ishmael symbolizes self-effort—when we believe God will fulfill His promises, but we try to help Him bring it to pass. This mindset is a result of limiting beliefs.
Sarah’s limiting belief was that she assumed God had closed her womb, preventing her from having a child. But why would God promise something and then block us from receiving it? What is your own limiting belief that contradicts God’s promises? Until we change these types of mindsets, we end up delaying God’s blessings in our lives.
God’s promises and plans never change, even when our actions contradict them. He is always ready to fulfill His word. It took 13 years for Abraham and Sarah to reach a place of complete faith, and then their miracle—Isaac—became a reality. Despite their missteps, God still credited righteousness to them.