THE PATIENCE TEST, NO. 4

Psalm 40:1: "I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry."

God made a promise to Abraham concerning a promised son who would become Abraham's heir (Genesis 15:1-6). This was 14 years before Isaac was born. Even though Abraham "believed in the Lord, and he counted it to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6), he still did not know that the promised son who would come forth from his own bowels would be through his wife, Sarah until Genesis 17:15-19. This waiting time gave rise to the temptation of impatience. Even though Abraham walked with God, there is no record of him seeking God about Sarah's proposal concerning Hagar, Sarah's handmaid who was an Egyptian. Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham out of impatience and frustration.

We read in Galatians that Hagar, along with her son, Ishmael, represents bondage and is in opposition, or a persecutor to those born after the Spirit (Galatians 4:29).

In 1 Chronicles 5:18-29 we read that the Israelites were called Hagarites and they fought against Israel and were overcome. Men, we see how one act of fleshly impatience can have far reaching, negative, and troubling consequences. On the other hand, patience also has far reaching rewards. (To be continued.)

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell