Abraham Listened

 A lot of times we, as men, don't listen they way we should. That seems to be especially true about listening to our wives. We concentrate on other things, and then, when they speak, we miss what they are saying. That is detrimental to our marriage. However, we shouldn't just listen to our wives and do what they say automatically, without thinking and praying, either. That can cause us serious trouble.

Abraham's wife Sarai, or Sarah, had a proposition which she presented to her husband. (Genesis 16:2) She told him that since the Lord had prevented her from bearing children, she wanted him to have sexual relations with her slave woman, so she might have children through her. Then, Abraham listened to his wife and did what she asked. It was a huge mistake.

God had promised Abraham that he would make him into a great nation of people. Abraham believed the Lord and followed His instructions to leave his family and go to a land that He would show Him. He had faith that God would bless him as He promised, and he was faithful to worship the Lord. However, He lived in the land for 10 years, and God had still not blessed him with the first child.

Sarah grew inpatient, and took God's will into her hands by giving Abraham, Hagar, her slave woman to bear a child. Abraham listened to her, but He should have prayed and listened to the Lord before doing anything. Many times we fall into sin according to this pattern. We need to listen to God first, not people. Then, we should do what He says, no matter how long we have to wait.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 17-20.