Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants

Open Your Bible

Galatians 4:21-31, Genesis 16:1-16, Romans 9:6-8, Hebrews 12:18-24

Scripture Reading: Galatians 4:21-31, Genesis 16:1-16, Romans 9:6-8, Hebrews 12:18-24

Do you have any parts of the Bible that just always make you squirm uncomfortably in your seat? The parts that you don’t necessarily want to use as a lock screen or that you pray your pastor doesn’t feel the need to address on a Sunday morning? To be honest, Galatians 4:21–31 is one of those passages for me. I want to understand Paul’s metaphor here, but there’s also a piece of the editor in me that wants to leave a lengthy comment explaining to Paul why he just can’t talk about my girl Hagar that way!

I do take comfort in the fact that Paul must have had a reason for choosing such a specific image to represent the new kind of relationship with God that is available in Christ. The verses preceding this passage address a crisis of faith and present a picture of a church struggling to let go of the security of following the law. And the more I read Paul’s letter, the more I wonder if they wanted the safety of knowing they had done enough to still be God’s chosen people. To only rely on faith in Christ was (and still is) a risk. It sounds like some in the community were stuck in doubtful indecision, trying to work out whether they could have both faith and the safety net of the law.

In light of that fear, I think Paul is going back to what would have been a very familiar story with a similar crossroad in it. When Abraham was given God’s promise for inheritance and descendants, Abraham was also given a choice—he could either trust in God’s plan to fulfill His promise, or he could find the final product of the promise on his own. Rather than solely having faith in God’s ability to work in impossible circumstances, he and Sarah decided the uncertainty was too great to bear and took matters into their own hands to bring about what God had promised.

Here in his letter to the Galatians, I see Paul calling his audience to actively drive out the back-up plan because it is actually only doing them more harm than good (v. 30). This comparison between Sarah and Hagar shows that an enslaved identity simply cannot coexist with the identity to be had in Christ. The back-up plan keeps our identity enslaved, bound to the fear and shame of sin, the pressure to fix it all on our own, and the judgment for not being able to pay off our overwhelming debt. But our belonging in God’s family comes the moment we place our faith in Jesus, and He wipes away all the things that previously enslaved us.

And isn’t it the truth that we are still wrestling with these identity questions! We have to ask our hearts, “Do I wholeheartedly believe and trust in Jesus’s ultimate sacrifice, His resurrection, and His way of living out the abundant life of God’s kingdom?” Or do we turn to whatever back-up plan lets us live life according to our best laid plans and outwits God’s grace with our awesome achievements?

We can’t have it both ways, and God’s heart isn’t that we would view ourselves as intruders on His grace and visitors in His kingdom. He invites us, welcomes us, and even expects us there because we are the children of His promise (Romans 9:8), coheirs with the Son who freed us all.

Written by Kayla De La Torre

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96 thoughts on "Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants"

  1. Jocelyn Fiscella says:

    ❤️

  2. Emily Tucker says:

    ❤️

  3. Deana Watson says:

    Whoa, Kayla – this is really good. Thank you for sharing what God revealed to you in this passage.

  4. Lynn Saylor says:

    And don’t forget…..taking matters into our hands brings long term negative consequences for ourselves and those around us!!!

  5. Lindsey Bradley says:

    The line, “… an enslaved identity simply cannot coexist with the identity to be had in Christ” is so powerful! We are NEW creations in Christ Jesus. He comes to set the captives FREE. Thankful for freedom in Him and Him alone! Thankful His promises are for us as well all of these years later!

  6. Erica Chiarelli says:

    We can never do enough. I struggle with this. I’m invited in, not because I’m good, or I’m doing enough but In spite of myself, and only because i

  7. Tami says:

    The podcast was so good today! Wow how many times do I try to fulfill God’s promises with my own “back up plan”? Too many times to count. I will be mulling over today’s reading and asking God to help me to surrender all my back up plans to him.

  8. Kris says:

    All I know is this, if there are 2 covenants, and I get to chose which one I’m bound to, I’m choosing the NEW COVENANT of FREEDOM!!! Why I allow myself to still be held by some of the wrong thinking that goes with the old covenant, I don’t know. But my intent is to keep crawling towards the new covenant, towards freedom, towards faith, towards peace and joy

  9. Laura says:

    I highly recommend listening to the SRT podcast this week. Lots of great insight shared.

  10. Gwineth52 says:

    Hello Shes
    At the “granular” level the story of Hagar & Ishmael is disconcerting. I must remind myself to see it from the “global” level. Mistakes are made. Distinctions are disturbing. Lives of two women and their sons are brought high, and low, depending on perspective. Long view or short view. Ultimately, faith conquers & Jesus saves. From the Old Testament to the New Testament. Promises made & kept for all. Neither slave nor free. Grafted in as heirs. That’s what I must keep repeating. Thanks be to the God who sees.

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Me, again. Circling back to Hagar after reading many comments about identification with Sarah in her presumption & overreach of God. Hagar did not choose to enter into intimacy with Abraham, resulting in an untenable position, from which she had to flee. But the Lord found her there & while He sent her back, it was as a changed woman. Sometimes we are caught up in circumstances beyond our control … but we are never abandoned. Sometimes we are inadvertent victims of poor decisions by others … but we are never left to suffer apart. That is what faith is … an ability to see beyond the immediate … to cleave to an inexpressible Promise.

      1. Cee Gee says:

      2. Tricia C says:

        ❤️❤️

  11. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    I haven’t had a chance to yet read all the comments – I’ll stop back later, but I did want to share what I found at bibleref.com that helps explain a little more on this sort of confusing passage in Galatians…
    ___________
    “Paul is reaching the conclusion of his allegory, which contrasts living under the law of Moses to being justified by faith in Christ. He has shown this difference to be the same as that between living as a slave, or living as a free person. In this way, it is the difference between being born to Abraham’s slave-wife Hagar (Genesis 16:1–3), as the result of human efforts, and being born to Abraham’s free wife Sarah, as the result of the promise of God (Genesis 21:1–3).

    Now Paul makes a further connection between the Ishmael/Isaac relationship and that between the Jewish religious leaders and the Christians of Paul’s day. Ishmael, the son of the slave woman, persecuted Isaac, the promise-fulfilling son of the free woman. This persecution took the form of Ishmael, likely a teenager at the time, laughing at or mocking baby Isaac on the day of a feast in celebration of his being weaned (Genesis 21:8–9).

    If we had been there, we might not have thought much about a teenage boy mocking his baby brother, but it was significant to Isaac’s mother Sarah. That was the moment she demanded that Abraham cast out Hagar and Ishmael from their family to ensure that Ishmael did not share in Abraham’s inheritance (Genesis 21:10).

    For the purpose of his allegory, Paul is connecting Ishmael’s mocking of Isaac with the Judaizers’ persecution of the Christians. As Ishmael was born merely out of human effort, the Judaizers also taught that people could become acceptable to God through our own effort. Isaac’s birth, though, was the result of God’s work and the fulfillment of a promise. In the same way, Christians become God’s children as the result of God’s working through the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can make happen on our own.”
    ___________
    Have a blessed Monday sweet sisters! ❤️

  12. Margaret W says:

    Hagar’s child was the living embodiment of what happens when we allow ourselves to be enslaved to fear. And yet, God saw Hagar, met her in her pain, and gave her the privilege of being the first human to give him a name: “El Roi, the God Who Sees.”

  13. Audren Phalen says:

    Reading your comments has been helpful for me this morning! I wasn’t gleaning what y’all did, I’m glad I’ve read them. I’m just in a very confusing season, I just never know what to do next. With very small choices and very big ones. It comes from a lot of feeling inadequate because I don’t feel like I’m doing enough. Thankfully, I’ve been born again into a promise, and God is in full control. I just have to relinquish it.

    1. Cee Gee says:

  14. Cee Gee says:

    I have been ‘waiting’ for over 20 years. I heard this song driving to lifegroup last night and the words caught my attention. It certainly fits here today!
    ‘Even in the broken parts He holds my heart…’~
    God Is In This Story by
    Big Daddy Weave, Katy Nichole
    There’s torn up pages in this book
    Words that tell me I’m no good
    Chapters that defined me for so long
    But the hands of grace and endless love
    Dusted off and picked me up
    Told my heart that hope is never gone
    God is in this story
    God is in the details
    Even in the broken parts
    He holds my heart, He never fails
    When I’m at my weakest
    I will trust in Jesus
    Always in the highs and lows
    The One who goes before me
    God is in this story
    So if the storm you’re walking through
    Feels like it’s too much and you
    Wonder if He even cares at all
    Well, hold on tight to what you know
    He promised He won’t let you go
    Your song of healing’s written in His scars
    God is in this story
    God is in the details
    Even in the broken parts
    He holds my heart, He never fails
    When I’m at my weakest
    I will trust in Jesus
    Always in the highs and lows
    The One who goes before me
    God is in this story
    If it reads like addiction
    If it reads like disease
    He’s the One who frees the prisoner
    He’s the healer of all things
    If it reads like depression
    If it reads broken home
    He’s the One who holds your sorrow
    He won’t leave you here alone
    God is in this story
    God is in the details
    Even in the broken parts
    He holds my heart, He never fails
    When I’m at my weakest
    I will trust in Jesus
    Always in the highs and lows
    The One who goes before me
    Always in the highs and lows
    The One who goes before me
    God is in this story (you’re in this story)
    God is in my story (right here in my story)
    Songwriters: Jeff Pardo, Ethan Gregory Hulse, Katy Nichole.

    1. Laura says:

      Literally one of my all time favorite songs! I listen to Katie Nichole on repeat sometimes when I need encouraged that God is still working. Her songs really speak to my heart.

      1. Cee Gee says:

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes, I LOVE that song too, and like Laura, basically ALL her songs!

      1. Cee Gee says:

    3. Cheri says:

      Thank you! The words to this song encouraged my heart.

      1. Cee Gee says:

  15. Rachel says:

    Good morning, She’s! I’ve been here quietly reading along with you all, but want to add to the convo this morning. I echo (that sounds so mild…I really want to holler and shout ;)) what others have said. The story God is writing is the very best one – far better than the best we can imagine in our feeble humanity!

    I was 46 when I got married. During a painful time in my life, I was certain that, although not promised in Scripture, God was promising me a husband. Then, as the years passed, I assumed maybe it was actually indigestion, and I had misunderstood/heard what I wanted to hear. Almost TWENTY YEARS later, I met my husband. God took His time with that promise and it was worth every second. God wasted nothing and the dependence and intimacy He grew in me made those single years sweet and joy-filled. Wait for His best, dear sisters! And LIVE your life! Your life doesn’t start at the altar! You have much to give the Kingdom, and in Christ you are whole and complete and fully loved RIGHT NOW.

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      ❤️

    2. Christy K. says:

      ❤️❤️

  16. Laura says:

    I feel like I can be really hard on Sarah in this story. What was she thinking? How could she go against God’s promise? Ahem…it’s easy to judge an OT person for not believing God when He promises something, but how many times do I do this myself?? Sometimes my back-up plans have back-up plans. It seems like it would be easier to just let God lead our lives. It seems like it would be easier to just rest in His provision. But as I type that, I think of my children when they were toddlers. I remember so many times when if they would just give in to what I was saying, or what I was trying to do for them, things would have been so much easier. But often they wanted to do it themselves or not listen to what I told them to do, and the results were a disaster. Hmmmm…sounds familiar! Help me, Lord, to die to myself and trust You fully with my life. Amen!

  17. Paula Stine says:

    Such a great explanation of the passage. Thank you for this. It was definitely a little confusion but the way you described it makes total sense. Our selfish human nature doesn’t like to wait on God’s plan. But his is always the best because he sees the journey we can’t. We need to put our full trust in him who loves and watches over his children.

  18. Laurel W says:

    The notations in my NIV Bible explains that Ishmael (God hears) was born out of Sarai and Abrams’s unbelief; while Isaac was born out of God’s promise. Interestingly, it goes on to note that Ishmael’s descendants were traditional enemies of the Jewish people and produced Mohammed, the founder of Islam. Islam is considered the closest world religion to Christianity, and, therefore, the hardest to penetrate with the gospel.

    This type of information helps me to better understand the history of Christianity and how it applies to our current world, struggles, etc. It also shows that God uses our unbelief in ways we cannot even imagine…

    1. Gwineth52 says:

      Your points are appreciated, Laurel.

  19. Rhonda J. says:

    I actually love when Paul points back to OT scripture and puts it in context and in the here and now of WHY it matters to us! “All scripture is God breathed” and is important for our understanding. And this story of Hagar and Sari is good because it is us…always trying to control the outcomes of our wants! It never works out good, it adds troubles upon troubles. Sigh. Isn’t it so true?! I look back at all the messes in my life. It wasn’t until my second failed marriage that I hit my knees and finally confessed that I cannot do it alone, I cannot run my life, Please Lord, I need you. Help me. It was a cry out to get me out of the pit.

    You would think it would have changed me from that moment. But no, I tried harder to chase the next husband because I wanted what I had lost. So another major fail. Then another. Then another. I’m NOT kidding…and it not only was bad but it led to bad consequences that still have left scars to this day and probably even residual issues I will never fully know until I am with my Lord looking back. I wish I could redo those many, many years of MY leading.

    But now…I try to walk in cadence with my Lord. At age 55 you would think it all goes that way, but I still try to lead many times. But my life with Jesus is so intimate and growing, I am so thankful for that time on my knees, and then 10 years ago reading my Bible daily, and the last 2 years stepping wildly out in faith and have the most fabulous relationship with My Jesus!! He is so good, so, so good! Which is a song by Elevation Worship “Been So Good.”

    Another great waiting song is by Elevation as well- “Wait on You!” Let that be your mantra if you are in this season. If you are waiting on marriage and kids, lean on the Lord and pray for a Godly man that He has prepared JUST FOR YOU!! I suggest you journal your prayers and listening prayer/ journaling to HEAR what God is saying to you in this time!

  20. Maria Baer says:

    Munchkin, it is very brave to take action when you recognize that a relationship is not right. I was married at 42, and had previous relationships too. But it was in the least expected moment when my now husband “showed up” in my life. And I quote “showed up” because he was in my life as a dear friend for a long time but due to my own doings, the road to recognizing this was a long one, with many heartaches for both of us (on his side, he was also taking matters into his own hands to have his family). But it was all in God’s timing. Praying for you and all who are yearning for a husband or a family.

    1. Munchkin says:

      Thank you.

  21. Cheryl Blow says:

    So, as I’ve said before, I have struggled with bring patient in my healing from rotator cuff surgery. I think I should be farther along. I go to physical therapy and do all my exercises at home 2x a day. I’m working hard, the physical therapist is working hard but there is just an area that will not give me the full range of motion that I feel that I need. The Lord told me from Deut 31:6 to be strong and courageous and from Josh 1:9 and to not be discouraged. Finally, after carrying my discouragement to the Lord, He gently reminded me of all the verses that He gave me before the surgery. He let me know my job was to do the exercises and trust Him for the complete healing. To rest in Him!

    This lesson spoke to me of when we try to do things in our own strength we fall short. But when we trust God for the outcome, He will bring about the healing, the answer in His time!

    Sorry this is so long. Praying for all of you!

    1. Lanie H says:

      Fellow therapist here! This is why I LOVE the body and rehab but can be so frustrating too! The body always reminds us that we cannot rush our healing. One of the most frustrating things I tell all my patients is the timeline depends. It’s so different for everyone. And isn’t that our life stories ? Be encouraged Cheryl! Set small goals like being able to wash your hair or wipe or reach to the second shelf in the kitchen. ROM and pain are so unpredictable and not the best objective measurement of how you are doing. I guarantee you are hitting little milestones every day!

  22. Mari V says:

    FELT in my spirit, The HOLY Spirit NOT to go on my run, so here I am reading all your comments. It’s dark outside. BUT I have a vest and flashlight. BUT when the Holy Spirit prompts, I listen. At least most of time. I admit, it was HARD to get up this morning (4:25AM), but my time with MY JESUS is very important and I love spending time with you as well. I laughed a little and said to myself, I have a “date” with my JESUS!

  23. Mari V says:

    I am a coheir of JESUS! I am FREE! Happy Monday sweeties. I had written more but accidentally got erased and gotten run. oh well…..

  24. Melissa says:

    God includes such messed up stories in the Bible to show He can save and redeem messed up people like me. We feel so bad for Hagar and such loathing for Sara in this situation, maybe because Sarah represents us. We make awful decisions, we doubt God’s goodness and faithfulness, we often don’t like his plan at first; but we are His redeemed.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes! That’s good!

    2. Gwineth52 says:

      Yes, Melissa, in the end, mercifully, redeemed.

    3. Mercy says:

      This is such a golden perspective.

  25. Michelle P says:

    Culture does not define timelines for our lives, but God does.

    This is a hard thing to believe and trust.

    May God help us renew our minds and not compare our story with what the world expects of us. We are not orphans, but children and coheirs with Christ. We have every spiritual blessing in Christ. We do not need to strive to “make things happen” for us. God help us to not listen to the lies of Satan, that tell us to “fix” it ourselves, but help us to seek Your will and trust You with what seems “impossible” or hard to wait for… nothing is truly impossible if You’re with us in it. God help us have faith that believes instead of strives. Thank you, Lord, for grace when we fail to wait and trust You. Forgive us, Lord, and thank you for You faithful love. Be praised. Amen.

    1. Christy K. says:

      So well said, thank you for sharing your prayer Michelle ❤️

  26. Caroline Bridges says:

    I don’t know what song this is from but I heard it from the church band one day “I’m no longer a slave to fear, I am a child of God.”

    1. Michelle P says:

      “No Longer Slaves” produced by Bethel music but written by Jonathan and Melissa Helser. ❤️

  27. Mia Faith says:

    El Roi – the God who sees me – is tattooed on my arm as a visual reminder that even when things are bad, He still sees me, loves, and cares for me.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Yes! Love that Faith!! It must be so good to see it now in these hard times!! He SEES you my dear Faith, and we She’s are still praying for you and your family.

    2. Michelle P says:

      This is a wonderful reminder through the trials and tribulations you have endured, Mia. God bless you. He does see you. ❤️

    3. Mari V says:

      LOVE this Mia Faith!

  28. Lanie H says:

    Dear sisters,

    I pray for you if you are in a waiting season to listen for God’s answer to your prayer. I heard it somewhere that he always answers it’s just a yes, no, or a wait. For me this scripture is very special bc God very clearly gave me a wait when I was trying to get pregnant. Like many of you said, it was hard bc we know God’s wait can be 3 months or 30 years! I read many other stories of women who said God led them to do fertility treatments, adopt, or foster but I was feeling radio silence. I wanted to take matters into my own hands and track, or eat specific foods, or cut some out. I am just like Sarah. I kept thinking I am missing something God is telling me to do, I’m not listening good enough, even though deep in my soul I knew it was just a wait. Then a sweet friend called me, who was pregnant at the time and so this was a very brave call. She said I get the sense that you feel like you have some problem to solve or some lesson to learn before you get pregnant, but I feel the Lord really specifically telling me you need to stop. That it really is just a wait. 2 months later I was pregnant. And it wasn’t because I was faithful, because I had already decided a plan for the next month. It’s because God is gracious. He is faithful even when we aren’t. But the lesson has stuck. And I didn’t even realize how much it correlates to my spiritual life until reading this today. I still think I’m doing things to mess up God’s plan or not doing enough, and God keeps reminding me you are free but you are living like a slave.

    1. Michelle P says:

      Lanie, thank you for sharing this. This is so relevant to many of us. I’m so glad to hear how God spoke through your pregnant friend and told you to wait. That is beautiful.

    2. Rhonda J. says:

      Oh so Good, amen! A lesson we all need to keep close and remember!

    3. Laura says:

      Thank yo for sharing this. I am learning that God has a reason for the wait. I don’t always understand it or even see it, but I trust Him that there is a reason. With our daughter’s situation, the HS comforted me in the wait with the realization that maybe God was waiting for a specific person to hear our story. That our story could be used to bless them. Who knows? I never want to act like I know God’s reasoning. It was something that came to me though, in my crying out to the Lord, and it comforted me.

    4. Cee Gee says:

      “He is faithful even when we aren’t.” Amen! ❤

    5. Mercy says:

      Thank you Lanie for this.

  29. Maria Baer says:

    Being transparent, the story of Hagar, has always bothered me because it seems that all the guilt is put on her, when this is all Sarai’s doing. But what really bothers me is that Sarai cannot accept personal responsibility for her mistakes. She blames Abram first, then gets upset with Hagar (who, as her slave,must do what she says) and has the audacity to act like the grieved one, when this whole situation was of her own doing. And Abraham— don’t get me started on him, because he went with her plan and then tried to wash his hands off the whole situation.

    The only thing about this story, and the most important lesson I take, is that this is what a relationship with God looks like. Our circumstances are still hard, but God sees us and hears us. And when we turn to Him, we “see” Him because we are now in a relationship with Him and we are not alone. In Him our hope lives.

    1. Peggy Pappas says:

      Exactly like Adam and Eve. Taking things into our own hands and blaming the other when it didn’t work and instead brought huge consequences we all still live with.

    2. Gwineth52 says:

      Yes, Maria, there are seemingly infinite angles of view on this story in scripture.

  30. Kim H says:

    I always love a good back-up plan or two. I definitely struggle to let go and let God do his thing. What a great reminder this morning as I am incredibly stressed about this school year. The kids start back today. I chair the special education team and we are so understaffed, and things are of course not going as planned! Hebrews 12:1-3 actually popped up when I was looking into further explanation about the Hebrews scripture that was linked today which I find ironic because that is the scripture for my son’s school this year and it is SO applicable to the world of education right now, especially public education. I just need to set down the weight I feel as a leader and fix my eyes on Jesus. His plan is greater than mine! Have a blessed day everyone!

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Amen! Praying you are able to do that! (and myself as well)! God will enable us to do His will!

  31. Aimee D-R says:

    Father sometimes it’s so hard to let go of how things look in the natural. Reward my Faith and forgive my doubt that Your plans are in actions and for Your good and mine. In Jesus name, Amen

  32. Jillian L says:

    I really want to be married and have babies and it’s really hard to trust God’s plan over my own.

    1. Michelle P says:

      Jillian, I’m with you. There are a couple of us single women here waiting for the Lord to move or fulfill what He has spoken to us. I don’t have words to “fix” what you’re feeling, because I’m sure you’ve heard every response about “God’s timing.” I just will respond by saying your feelings are valid…but don’t let those feelings overtake you like Sarah’s did. Keep praying to God in your moments of weakness and struggle… don’t let go of His hope and faithfulness to you. He who has called you is faithful. No need to “fix” something that isn’t broken. Your story is His and you are exactly where He wants you. Keep trusting that place is good and safe for you, not something holding you back but pushing you forward to a better future. I’m with you in it. ❤️ believing God’s best for you.

    2. Emily B. says:

      I’ve been where you are! And even though it is SO hard to wait, it is so much better than ending up in a miserable marriage. God was faithful to remind me when I was in that particular waiting season, and He can do the same for you. Plus, He can handle all your disappointment, annoyance, and even anger about why, in your opinion, it’s taking so long. He is faithful and gracious to give us the desires of our heart—don’t lose hope!

    3. Rhonda J. says:

      Stay faithful in the wait, and lean into the growth and singleness! It is the tie to enjoy some freedom that you won’t get when the marriage and kiddos come! :) Pray on a Godly man to be there in God’s timing! He’s got this, He sees you and knows the desires of your heart!

  33. Cat-tee says:

    Leaving things for God to accomplish in his time should be a relief, but it is often so difficult! Please Lord give me the patience and peace to abide with faith in your timing.
    Requesting prayers for a young man, Jarod, in my town. During a mental health crisis he went missing. After several days and so much community involvement he was found safe. As he was being transported he escaped, much further from home this time. The search efforts continue. Please pray for him to be found safe, for wisdom and safety of those searching, and peace for his family. Thank you. Wishing everyone a blessed week❤️

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      Praying for Jarod to be found safe and for his family in the waiting.

    2. Mercy says:

      praying

  34. Gretel . says:

    My plans < God’s plans

    1. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

      ❤️

  35. Munchkin says:

    I am in my 40’s and never been married. I have stayed in many relationships, because I wanted to take matters into my own hands instead of trusting God. I recently got out of an engagement that would have been a marriage of disaster for a million reasons. God has shown me and is working on me to accept His grace and His timing.

    1. Rhonda J. says:

      Oh so hard…but you are right! Not our will But God’s! Otherwise it is disaster! I know for sure with 2 not good marriages because they were of my making, not God’s! Proud of you for doing the hard!

  36. Kelly (NEO) says:

    “Do we turn to whatever back-up plan lets us live life according to our best laid plans and outwits God’s grace with our awesome achievements?”
    .
    Outwits God’s grace? O, wow. That’s a great way to frame it.
    .
    From HRT today
    “What does this all mean? It means that God’s blessing in our lives does not come about through our striving but through His promise! Our inclusion in God’s family is not justified by our keeping any kind of law and religion but by faith in the finished work of Christ. His blood has ratified a new covenant between God and humanity. The central point of Paul’s argument is this: as believers, we are no longer enslaved to sin or law. We enjoy wondrous freedom in Christ.
    .
    “What have you made into law? What have you decided to be that crucial element for God’s love to flow into your life? Take a moment today to release your hold on whatever that may be and ask the Lord to fully convince you that he has provided in Christ the firmest of foundations on which to stand. For you are a child of promise.”
    .
    ROBIN BAILEY – did your coworker get her tests back?
    .
    SUSAN JOINER – thank you for the update on Wyatt. Thanking God his treatments are working.
    .
    ANNA LEONOR – how is Armando’s recovery from heart surgery going?
    .
    LYNNE FROM AL – continued prayers for the Lord to strengthen you and Jack’s transition to be smooth.
    .
    GAYLE GARTIN – how’s yur granddaughter?
    .
    A WALTON – how goes the house building?
    .
    DONNA WOLCOTT – is your granddaughter back from boot camp? Have you heard from your nedical missionary friend?
    .
    SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – how is Arian doing? And Scott?
    .
    ALEIDA POLANCO – how is Victor?
    .
    JESSICA H – how is Isabelle?

    1. Susan Joiner says:

      Thanks so much!❤️

  37. Searching says:

    Lord, may I have the strength of faith to trust you in the waiting.

    SUSAN JOINER – thank you for the update on little Wyatt. Praying for this week’s chemo and next week’s scan

    WENDY – praying for you, your mom and dad ❤️

    1. Susan Joiner says:

      Thank you! ❤️

    2. Cee Gee says:

      Amen! ❤

  38. Tricia C says:

    Not sure why, but this song came to mind this morning. I certainly haven’t heard it in a very long time.
    “Just a closer walk with Thee
    Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
    Daily walking close to Thee
    Let it be, dear Lord, let it be”

    Blessed Monday Sisters.

    1. Searching says:

      Amen, TRICIA ❤️

    2. Carol H says:

      ❤️❤️

    3. Cheryl Blow says:

      Tricia, thank you for sharing! I was trying to remember this song just last week! Maybe it was for me that you remembered!

      1. Tricia C says:

        Isn’t it Awesome how God has His perfect timing?❤️

    4. Cee Gee says:

      Always timely! ❤

    5. Natalie GA says:

      I woke up singing this hymn this morning as well! It’s always been one of my favorite hymns.

  39. Tina says:

    I, was born out of wedlock.. my parents never married.
    It has taken me a couple more than a couple of reads to hear ( as I read) that I am a child of His promise, THANKS BE TO JESUS..
    .
    Thanks be to Jesus..
    Thanks be to Jesus..
    .
    Thanks be to God.
    .
    BUT GOD..
    .
    AMEN.
    .
    Happy Monday dear hearts covered in love and hugs wrapped in prayers ❤️

    1. Searching says:

      You are loved, sweet sister ❤️

    2. G says:

      No child is a mistake. Ever. Conditions have to be juuuussstt right for the sperm to meet the egg and for a baby to develop, thrive, and be born. God had and still has a purpose for you. Yes, you ARE a child of God.

      1. Mari V says:

        Oh Tina…..WE love you!!! So glad you are here with us!! YOU have so much to give to this community! Can’t wait to meet you someday!

    3. Cee Gee says:

      Oh, Tina, what a perfectly true example! We are not sisters thru a legal commitment (matrimony) BUT (by God’s GRACE) WE ARE SISTERS through the precious blood of Jesus Christ! We love you and are so blessed by our connections to you! God definitely had a plan for you, sister! ❤

  40. Mary Ann Graves says:

    Sometimes we take matters in our own hands because we get tired of waiting for God to move. But God….God moves in his time not ours. We need to learn to have faith to wait on Him.

  41. Katja Majirija says:

    learing from today: I should not try to speed up things by myself. There is a time for everything. He has it all in his almighty hands.

    1. Tina says:

      In a nutshell, Katja! So good.
      Thank you..
      .
      Morning!