Now Sarai, Abram’s wife had borne him no children, and she had an Egyptian maid whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, “Now behold, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Please go in to my maid; perhaps I will obtain children through her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. After Abram had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, Abram’s wife Sarai took Hagar the Egyptian, her maid, and gave her to her husband Abram as his wife. (Genesis 16: 1-6)
Have you ever wondered how different your life would have been had you made different choices in life? The recent actions of my infant made me pause to consider the many blessings I might have blocked or delayed because of the choices I have made.
At about two or three months old when my baby showed signs of hunger by either chewing on her fingers or crying I would kick into gear and prepare to feed her from the source she enjoyed best. Like many babies, she enjoys the comfort of my arms and the warmth of my skin while she suckles. But, before she could enjoy this pleasure there was always a little “jostle” that delayed her blessing. She would repeatedly put her hand between her mouth and my breast and suck on her fist. After much insistence and re-positioning I would eventually prevail. Though she would delay her own “blessing”, when that connection was made I could feel her relief. She would relax in my arms and her eyes would close as she savored Mother Nature’s sweetness.
How many times might we be near the end of the tunnel with success within our reach but because of a lack of faith or narrow minded attitude we turn back or settle for less? In the case of my baby girl she instinctively started sucking on the closest thing, her hands, not knowing that that source could not resolve her problem. Sadly, many of us delay or deny ourselves of the blessings that God has in store for us by knowingly holding on to things that we know cannot solve our problem. We keep holding on to the temporal things of this world – the flashy cars and bling, unhealthy relationships, unhealthy foods or whatever else it may be.
The story of Abram and Sarai teaches us the importance of keeping our eyes fixed on God’s promises. Abraham and Sarai focused on their problems which resulted in them taking matters into their own hands. Their actions resulted in delayed blessings, and a miserable life, not just for them but for future generations. This story teaches us not to lean on our own understanding. We must learn to be still and trust God to place what we need in our lives rather than constantly fighting against God’s will.
A loving mother will always provide the best for her child. Our God who loves us unconditionally will do so much more. God’s got this!
Writer: Jodian Scott – Banton
Biography: I am a Jamaican currently residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands. I teach at the Maranatha Academy. I am married to a very loving and supportive husband, David. God has blessed us with two lovely daughters named Johanna and J’Lissa.
