When Faith Meets Fear

Key Verse:
“Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, ‘See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.’ And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai.” – Genesis 16:1–2 (NKJV)

At first glance, it seems Sarai should take the blame for this plan, but Abram was the one who received the promise directly from God. Sarai may have heard about it, but hearing about a word is not the same as hearing from God yourself. Abram’s mistake was allowing a suggestion that sounded reasonable to override divine instruction. What looked like wisdom was actually fear dressed up as logic. Fear often pushes us to take matters into our own hands instead of waiting for God to act.

Abram probably thought he was helping God fulfill His word. After all, the heir would still come from his body. But faith never needs shortcuts, only obedience. When we try to make things happen our own way, we move from faith into fear. God’s promises are not waiting for our cleverness; they are waiting for our trust. What worked for someone else may not be what God wants for you. His plan always carries its own timing and strategy.

Many of us can relate to Abram. Waiting can be hard, especially when what we desire seems long overdue. But impatience leads to unnecessary detours. Instead of helping God, we often complicate what He is already working out. Faith means trusting that the God who promised is also wise enough to perform.

Beloved, do not let fear write your story. Wait on God’s strategy. His timing may test you, but His plan will never fail you. What He has promised, He will surely bring to pass.

Prayer:
Father, teach me to trust your process even when I do not understand it. Help me to wait patiently for your timing and to follow your strategy, not my own ideas. Deliver me from fear and impatience, and strengthen my faith to rest in your word. In Jesus’ name, amen.