Life is not always smooth sailing. Rough waters and challenging circumstances make me uncomfortable. Being unemployed with two small children was both nerve-racking and the best time of my life. God increased my faith and weaned me from worldly things so I could embrace the imperishable and undefiled inheritance reserved in heaven for me (1 Pet. 1:4).
Not only does God use authorities to develop character as we observed with Abraham in Gen. 20, He transforms us into the image of Christ through the normal trials of everyday life.
Sarah bore a son to Abraham in his old age at the appointed time according to God’s promise (Gen. 21:1-2). His miraculous working in fulfilling promises in your family testifies to a glorious God of the universe.
Abraham circumcised his son Isaac as God had commanded him. Sarah laughed after bearing a son in her old age and Abraham made a great feast when Isaac was weaned (Gen. 21:4-8).
When Sarah saw Ismael mocking her, she wanted both him and his mother, Hagar, driven out so they wouldn’t share in Isaac’s inheritance. The contention distressed Abraham (Gen. 21:9-11).
Instead of being hurt, God encouraged Abraham to listen to Sarah for through Isaac, their descendants would come. God would not forget Ismael because he also would have a nation. After the bread and water Abraham provided ran out, God supplied water to Hagar and Ismael in the wilderness (Gen. 21:12-21). God comes to your aid in every trial if you ask Him.
When Abimelech’s servants seized Abraham’s well, he complained to Abimelech. Abraham gave Abimelech seven lambs through a covenant affirming his ownership of the well (Gen. 21:22-32). In addition to God, appealing to governing authorities directly for aid in tight circumstances can be appropriate.
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba and called on the name of the Everlasting God (Gen. 21:33). Since God knows the end from the beginning, He will provide what is needful at the right time and in the right way when you call upon Him.
In God’s sovereignty, Abraham was distressed by various trials to perfect his faith and transform into God’s image (I Pet. 1:6-9).
What trials is God using in your life to transform you into His image? Meditate on 1 Peter 1:3-9.
