Helping God

God had promised Abraham a son. As the years rolled by, Sarah watched her husband’s hopes dashed and wept for his pain. Years later, a wise king would write “hope deferred makes the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12)
Sarah often mulled over the words God had spoken to her husband. “A son coming from your own body will be your heir.” (Genesis 15:4) That’s it! Sarah thought to herself. God promised my husband an heir from his body. He said nothing about mine.
It was the custom of the day that slaves were property, not humans, so any children they birthed automatically belonged to their masters. Sarah had been given a young Egyptian woman to serve her.
Sarah’s mind raced. All I have to do is allow Abraham to wed Hagar. She will be his lesser wife and her children will be my children! Surely this is what God meant.
She hastened to explain her interpretation of God’s promise to Abraham. In her love for her husband, she lay alone in their tent, sending him to procreate through her servant. Soon Hagar became pregnant by Abraham.
Mission accomplished.

Sarah’s daughter-in-law Rebekah also felt the need to help God achieve his purpose. While she was pregnant, she experienced so much movement in her womb; she went to God for answers.
God promised her “two nations are in your womb…and the elder shall serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23
Jacob was born after Esau and became Rebekah’s favorite. He hung around the home like a true mama’s boy while Esau became Isaac’s favorite, an outdoorsman—a man’s man.
Years passed without Rebekah seeing the God’s promise fulfilled. Then one day she overheard her husband asking Esau to hunt for wild game and make him a stew of it. Afterwards, he would bless Esau.
In those days, the firstborn son inherited most of the father’s property as well as the leadership of the next generation. But this is not what God had promised Rebekah!
She had to act quickly to help God fulfill the promise he’d made to her many years ago. Jacob, already skilled in deceit, had no problem following his mother’s scheme. He tricked his father and stole Esau’s blessing.
Mission accomplished.

Both women helped God, but at what a cost! 4000 years later, their descendents continue their hate war. God doesn’t need our help to fulfill his purpose or promises. Don’t panic at the 11th hour. Trust him and relax. He is the Almighty One.