Understanding True Reliance

Scripture: Abraham, remember, had two sons: one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. The son of the slave woman was born by human plotting; the son of the free woman was born by God’s promise. Galatians 4:22

Observation: Paul uses the illustration of Hagar vs. Sarah as a metaphor for a very important point. Yes, Abraham had two sons. The son born of Sarah was based on a covenant promise. God promised Abraham as son despite their old age, and it was necessary for Abraham to trust in the Lord's promise in order for that promise to be fulfilled and passed down through generations. However, Abraham and Sarah also initiated their own plot and plan, and thus Hagar also gave Abraham a son. This son was not from God's promise, but rather by the schemes of human logic, and therefore is excluded from God's plan for Israel and eventually redemption of mankind.

Paul spells this out clearly. The plots of mankind are just that, human plots, and they are not the plans of the Lord. They produce earthly outcomes. However, relying upon the promises and plans of the Lord are blessed, and they provide heavenly outcomes.

Application: Generally speaking, this is such a powerful lesson. Of course human plans produce earthly outcomes, and of course the Lord's plans produce amazing, heavenly outcomes. And yet, even with the Lord's plans known and revealed and promised to us, so often we pursue some idea conceived in our own minds in order to advance our lives.

Yes, this speaks to the issues of finance - especially the declarations of one woman about her personal financial plan - and is especially timely as we prepare for upcoming classes to teach others about faith in their finances. That said, I know this is also a very personal message for me. I have said before that I am amazed how much I associate myself with Hagar. Well ... yea, I am someone who every day comes up with many 'intelligent' plans for how to proceed with daily work, projects, and assignments. I fail to pray about these plans, and I do not consult with the Lord. And I absolutely don't put my entire plans aside and simply seek for a completely different set of plans defined by Yahweh.

I am a child of Christ, redeemed from the slavery of sin by Jesus. However, I reassert myself as a slave when I make my own plans for life and pursue them. I re-become a slave of the world.

I would so much rather to live completely within the Lord's promises, and not just the promise of salvation but the promise of whatever he would have for me during my everyday life. I have messed up my life so many times, that there is no logic why I would still try to work things out for myself. I need to have true reliance on the Lord's plans and promises, and make myself open to receiving guidance about those plans every day, in every activity.

Prayer: Lord, yes I would like to remember this lesson and apply it effectively for others as they seek encouragement for how to receive a blessed life. However, I know I also need to apply it to me. I desire to pray more about my work, activities, and plans. May I learn better and better to simply rely on your path and direction. Amen.