Nehemiah 8:1-18; Zechariah 4:1-14; Revelation 13:1-18
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Genesis 17:18
God made Abraham an amazing promise that he and Sarah would have a son in their old age. While waiting, they decided to “help God out” and Abraham fathered a son through Hagar. When God reiterated His promise, Abraham basically responded “Never mind Lord, I’ve done it myself!” What about us? How
many Ishmaels have we conjured up while waiting for God’s answer? How many times have we hoped God would reward our self-effort? God doesn’t need our help. He wants our faith and trust. That leaves Him free to do the miraculous in providing for what we need. Leave it to God! —Deborah Manera
Anything that is worth having you will get from God. —A. W. Tozer