Human Effort or God’s Promise
The son of the slave-wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born as God’s own fulfillment of his promise. (Gal 4:23)
Abraham and Sarah thought they could help God through their maid servant.
Moses thought he could help God by killing the Egyptian soldier.
Saul thought he could help God by presenting an unlawful sacrifice.
Peter tried to help Jesus by cutting off the guard’s ear.
Sometimes we think God needs a little of our help.
We think God has forgotten. Or He is too slow. Or our method is better than His.
We become frantic. We think we are smart enough.
Without clear direction from the Lord, we try to help Him according to our timing and methods.
So we go ahead and act.
But only to see dreadful results.
Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for you today … the Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent (Ex 14:13-14).
Abraham should have gone about his everyday life and remained faithful and wait for God’s timing.
Moses should have remained in the palace until it was time for him to leave.
Saul should have waited for God’s provision.
Peter should not have acted rashly.
Unless we have clear direction from the Lord, we should not act.
Be faithful where you are until the Lord gives the green light.
Act only when He says so.
In the meantime, be still. God is actively at work though we don’t see it.
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him (Ps 62:5).
(MT)