When reason collides with faith, we begin making decisions based on worldly wisdom rather than trusting God’s guidance. Hebrews 11:1Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.[1] In Genesis 15:4, the Lord told Abram that he would have a son of his own to be his heir. However, as time passed, his wife Sarai began to doubt God’s promise. Abram was now eighty-five years old and had walked with the Lord as a man of faith for ten years.
Often, while waiting, the Lord tests our faith and obedience. You may be in a time of waiting in your life. You may be waiting to get married, have a child, find a job, or face a life situation beyond your control. God has a perfect timetable for everything He does, so don’t give up.
Taking a Detour When God Seems Too Slow
God had clearly communicated with Abram regarding the promise of an heir, but doubt started to obscure her judgment as he and Sarai aged. At this moment, worldly reasoning prompted Sarai and Abram to take a detour that would lead to unforeseen consequences.
Genesis 16:1Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had not been able to bear children for him. But she had an Egyptian servant named Hagar. 2 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.[2]
Our enemy often uses doubt as a trap to exploit our sinfulness and impatience. How many detours could I have avoided in my life if I had spent more time seeking the Lord and less time making my plans? Fortunately, God often uses our poor life decisions to teach us valuable lessons in faith.
When I Struggle with God’s Timing
Like Abram and Sarai, it is common to struggle with God’s plan for our lives. There is nothing wrong with praying to God to seek guidance and patience. The Lord desires us to succeed in His plan and understands that we are fragile and prone to detours.
As I read God’s word, I see He has a purpose for His timing, even though it may have felt bewildering to those experiencing it. God has not forgotten about you! Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [3]
Sarai relied on her own understanding in this situation and gave her servant to Abram as a wife to bear a child. We may not know what lies around the next bend as we follow the Lord, but He does. As we pray for strength, the Lord will guide us, even when the path ahead seems uncertain or impossible.
What happens when reason collides with faith? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/when-we-take-matters-into-our-own-hands
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.