No Ishmaels Please

I want to say a word about faith. Recent events in my own life have driven home just how easy it is to loose sight of what we say we believe. Just like Abraham of old, we often try to bring about results through our own efforts. For those of you not familiar with narrative found in the book of Genesis, let me summarize. Abraham had been given the promise by God of having a son in his old age. God, in fact made a covenant with Abraham, sealing the promise in the blood of sacrificial animals. Typically this looks forward, for those of us who are New Testament believers, to the blood of Christ through which we are made partakers of God's eternal covenant. But, back to Abraham. Certainly after such a dynamic demonstration (Genesis 15) of God's covenant promise, we would think that Abraham would have not doubt that God would fulfill his part of the agreement. But, instead of waiting patiently on God as he should have done, he listened to his wife, Sarah, and tried to help God out, by having a son with his handmaiden (as was the custom of the day), since his Sarah was barren. He did have a son with his handmaiden, but that was a cause of much sorrow to him, and is the cause of much conflict even today. For, you see, this son, Ishmael, is the father of Arab nations. Oh, God was still with Ishmael and provided water to keep him alive after Sarah had thown out the handmaden and her son. But Ishmael was not God's first choice for Abraham. Thus, later, God did fulfill his promise and give Abraham a son through his wife, Sarah. That son, Isaac, is the father of the Jewish people. We are all aware of the Arab-Israeli conflict which continues till today. Yet, God was gracious, and Abraham is remembered today as the Father of the faithful, and in the hall of faith, Hebrews 11, his faith is mentioned but not his lack of it in that one moment of weakness.

(Thus, I don't feel that I should share the particulars of my recent Ishmael experience with you, as I know God has put it in the sea of forgetfulness.)

Often we may be tempted to do what Abraham did and take matters into our own hands, instead of trusting God explicitly. But, this can only result in the production of an Ishmael, which, although God may still bless, will mean trouble for us and cause us to deviate for a time from our primary God-given goals and purpose. However, when that happens, we may be assured of God's grace in getting us back on track. May God ever keep us from producing Ishmaels. But if we do, may we run to Him for His mercy and grace and know that He is still in controll and we will not be remembered by him for our Ishmaels, but for our Isaacs--the fruit of our faith.

If you feel you have no faith, perhaps you this will be a first step for you. If you feel you need more faith or need to use your faith more, perhaps this can also be a starting point for you in that direction.

Article written by James M. Becher, Bible teacher, author of "OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM, A Novel of Biblical Times,(http://www.publishedauthors.net/jame smbecher/index.html), and publisher of the bi-weekly Ezine, "Inspirational Success Tips" (inspirationalsuccesstips@Freeautobot.com)

---

Let Her Be Covered Part Two

The framework for the message this morning will consist of... Read More

Call No Man Father

Matthew 23:5-23:10Call no man Father A look at deception and... Read More

Theres No Time Like the Present

Today certainly is a present and we are to rejoice... Read More

Crucification

Most of know how Jesus was crucified. Do we ever... Read More

Philippians 2:1-18 -- Seek Unity Through Humility

This passage begins (2:1-4) with a call to unity that... Read More

While the World is on Fire

Revelation 8:8-8:9What will you be doing? How many people have... Read More

Biblical Hermeneutics ? Part 2

Should we be tempted to believe that our system of... Read More

Does God Promise Long Life?

Over the last 10 years or so I have met... Read More

Why Churches Die: Denying The Gift Of Healing The Sick

Recently a question was posted on a Christian forum asking... Read More

Computerized Christians? Get Ready for the New Church!

Isaiah 43;19 declares: "Behold, I will do a new thing,... Read More

Pomes II

Here are a few pomes that may encourage you to... Read More

Peaceful Religions?

If you say that Christianity is a peaceful religion according... Read More

Let Her Be Covered Part Three

Now, let's recall again the text: "Let her be covered."... Read More

Deliverance

Deliverance is to be rescued or salvation. Thanks be to... Read More

Smile! God Loves You!

There is a greater sin than not obeying Jesus; it... Read More

Amy Grant Cashes in Once Again on Jesus Coat-Tails

Jesus made her famous, now Amy Grant cashes in one... Read More

Rebuilding Society and The Tax Protest Movement

Rebuilding society and the tax protest movement: A Biblical Opinion... Read More

Death of an American,The Death of Decency

John 16:2-3:16The Death of an American, The Death of Decency.... Read More

Connect These Dots: Unilateral Withdrawal, Egypt, Collapse of the South Wall, Raised Taxes and the..

There is a prophetic mosaic that few have attempted to... Read More

Amos And Social Justice Part 2

Amos was summoned by God to warn the Northern Kingdom... Read More

Harry Potter To Christians: Its Not Good To Hear Voices

That is the popular and, thank God (if you'll pardon... Read More

Biblical Hermeneutics ? Part 1

Hermeneutics is the science and art of the interpretive process... Read More

In The Beginning Christ!

As I was doing my studies, the Lord put something... Read More

What That 70s Show Taught Me About Christianity

What in the world could I have possibly learned about... Read More

Books of the Living and Dead

Revelation 20:12 makes a powerful claim: "And I saw the... Read More

What Is Faith?

1. Faith is a "spiritual substance" on the inside of... Read More

Signs and Symbols

In the year 2005, the American Constitution has put into... Read More

Gods Armorbearer & The Ministry of Details

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,... Read More

Saved From Religion

"Religion is the fashionable substitute for belief." - Oscar WildeA... Read More

Religious Tolerance and the Internet

The internet is a great resource of information on all... Read More

Money And Religion: How Christians Are Being Misled

Today's Christian Evangelists, Teachers, and Preachers Are Grossly Misleading America... Read More

Heads I Win, Tails You Lose

In a time when public scrutiny is becoming tighter and... Read More

Housing Katrina Victims!

Information many have been looking for!On Franklin Graham's website for... Read More