11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
Harsh Realities
Abraham did not like the reality of having to send his son away. Yet we know, irresponsible decisions demand painful remedies.
Abraham goes into angry, self-pity mode, why should I have to do something so painful? You can almost hear him crying out to God – “This isn’t right.” What do you imagine God would say back? You’re right, it isn’t right, and you shouldn’t have to send Ishmael off into the wilderness, because Ishmael should not exist. You should not have misused your maid in such a way. But you committed the sin, and now we have to deal with it.
Don’t get mad when God fails to wave his magic wand and make everything better for you.
Sometimes when we apologize we expect all the consequences of our sins to be immediately removed. Recently a friend apologized for the way he acted after apologizing. He said, "I realize my sin hurt you. But, once I said I was sorry, I immediately demanded you act like nothing had happened. I see now how wrong that was."
Hard Decisions
Abraham had to send Ishmael away, and trust God to take care of him. If you look you see clear parallels to Abraham sacrificing Isaac – they got up early in the morning, Abraham loaded Hagar with what she would need and sent her on her way. Just as he had to trust God to protect Isaac, so he had to trust God to provide for and protect Ishmael.
Parents, are you prepared to trust God with your children. Will you give them the freedom they need to fail, and really allow you advice, only when sought after, to be advice and not an effort to control?
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