Remember how Abraham thought he would “help God out?” He and Sarah were getting older and older as each year flew by. Yet there was no son. It seemed as though the promise made to him by God – of him being the father of many nations – was not going to be kept. I’m sure Abraham second guessed himself… “Did God really say my descendants would outnumber the stars in the sky?” “Did I hear God correctly?” Being still and waiting for God’s promise to come to pass seemed impossible.
To Abraham and Sarah, time was of the essence. So Abraham got together with Sarah’s slave, Hagar, and onto the stage… comes baby Ishmael. God eventually came through, and Isaac-the promised son came. And now, Ishmael-the slave’s son is nothing but trouble. The chaos happening even today is a direct result of Abraham not waiting on God, and taking matters into his own hands.
Isn’t it the same way with us? At some time or another, each one of us will find ourselves in a dire situation. It’s either wait for God’s help, or take the matter into our own hands and try to come up with a solution for whatever predicament we’re in. Do you know what I’m talking about? Check out what Jeremiah says to God…
“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me. I was filled with indignation at their sins. Why then does my suffering continue?
Why is my wound so incurable?Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry.”
Jeremiah 15: 16-18
Here we go… Jeremiah accused God of not helping him when he really needed it. Don’t we do that? The plain truth is that Jeremiah took his eyes off of God and is now having a pity party. He was feeling sorry for himself. He was angry, hurt, and afraid. The same goes for us. It’s hard to hear that when we feel wounded. The fact is that we take our eyes off of God, and when that happens our situation/trial/circumstance gets magnified! I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I take my focus off of Jesus, and it’s like letting all hell break loose. Now, look at the way God responds to Jeremiah…
“If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak good words rather than worthless ones, you will be my spokesman. You must influence them; do not let them influence you! They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze. They will not conquer you, for I am with you to protect and rescue you. I, the Lord, have spoken! Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands.” Jeremiah 15: 19-21
Very important: God didn’t get angry, but He did rearrange Jeremiah’s priorities. We need to learn from this – it’s the same principal as when Peter started to sink when He was walking on the water with Jesus… Keep your focus on God, not how bad you feel or how chaotic the things around you are! God expects us to trust Him, no matter what.