TAKE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR YOUR PROMISE

WHY THE HURRY?

Why do people hurry the process of things?  I am sure you can come come up with many reasons.  One of the biggest maybe is because we can't wait on timing and processes.  In today's world everything is instant, magical and quick.  Processes are too slow we want it now! 

The adventure of the story of Abraham is remarkable!  Take a tour through Genesis 15-17, 21 and reflect on the promise and how it was substituted.

Abraham was given a word directly from God but because both Sarah and himself looked at it in the natural as it related to their age and biological happenings/processes rather than the promised word they tried to hurry along the process and it cost them.  

Your promise can also be delayed when you substitute it, but the substitute can be a complicated, difficult and even emotional process.   As in Sarah's case when she used her handmaid, Hagar to make Ishmael.  

Although he was also blessed because he was of the seed of Abraham, Ismael was not the promise, but definitely a substitute because the seed was to come from Abraham and Sarah.  

You substitute can also haunt you - Reflect on Sarah and Hagar's relationship after Ishmael was conceived. (Genesis 16:4-6) The roles were reversed, and it made Sarah a bitter and hard woman.      

Truly it was a moment of regret for Sarah when she hurried along the promise she paid with her heart.  Today, God wants you to wait on His timing when he gives a promise! 

TODAY'S FOCUS: BUILDING ON A WORD OF PROMISE

Genesis 15: 1-6 (KJV)
After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir.
And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Here's something to think about...
God spoke to him when he thought it was the steward of his house and told him that it would come forth out of his own bowels.
Do you think Abraham forgot this word when he gave in to Sarah's request in Genesis 16:2?

Like Abraham.....                                               
Has God given you a word or promise?

What have you substituted for the promise?

Are you challenging God to bless or accept your substitute? (Genesis 17:18)

Here are some other points to consider from Chapter 17...

• The promise came with some changes 
• Abram was changed to Abraham - verse 5
• Sarai was changed to Sarah - verse 15
• Acceptance 
• The promise was in Isaac even though he was not yet born- verse 19, 21
• Obedience
• Everyone must be circumcised - verses 10-14, 23-27

IT'S TIME TO DETACH YOURSELF FROM THE SUBSTITUTES YOU HAVE SETTLED FOR!

Do you have any substitutes in your life?  

Take an inventory of your goods and possessions, positions, relationships, jobs, friend and environment and see whether there are any substitutes.  (Make a list)

Are all things in line with the word of promise or have you compromised with a substitute?

What about your spiritual life?  

Are you walking in the promise word or are you in a place where you have traded, or hurry along the promise by stepping outside of what He said to you?

Like Abraham.....

STOP AND LISTEN TO HIS VOICE!

• Don't compromise your position
• Don't be in a hurry to see it's fulfillment
• Wait on His timing
• Don't delay the promise 
• Don't doubt but believe

Remember, when God gives a word, He will do everything to bring it to pass.  He will move heaven and earth and make the impossible possible. Don't be in a hurry, don't rush the process and get yourself a substitute.  

Genesis 18:14 (KJV)

Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.  

Know that also, to make room for the promise you must cut off the substitute.  Wait on God's promise and timing for He is faithful that has promised. 

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV) - Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel