When marriage is handled outside divine order, the result is Ishmael: something born of impatience and flesh that wars against the promise. Sarah, weary of waiting, told Abraham, “Go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her” (Genesis 16:2). Abraham yielded, and Ishmael was born. Galatians 4:23 explains, “He who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.” That one decision, though seemingly practical, birthed a conflict that continues to this day. The lesson is clear: when you step outside God’s process in marriage, you invite battles that will outlive you.
Many Christians, under pressure of age, culture, or family expectations, have made Ishmael choices in marriage. They thought they were solving a problem, but they created bigger ones. Ishmael marriages drain peace, sap strength, and complicate destiny. Unlike Isaac, who came by promise, Ishmael came by human calculation. God is not obliged to back what He didn’t initiate. That is why some unions are full of constant strife; because they were born out of flesh, not Spirit. Don’t assume that because a choice looks logical or convenient, it is divine.
Flesh can birth, but only Spirit produces promise.
Practically, wait for Isaac. Don’t marry just to silence pressure or please people. Refuse to let impatience push you into wrong unions. Ask yourself: “Is this marriage born of Spirit or of flesh?” If you are already married, don’t despair: commit your home to God and trust Him to turn what looks like Ishmael into a platform for grace. But if you are still waiting, don’t compromise. Isaac always comes, though he may tarry. The will of God will never be late. Marriage is too serious for experiments; only what is born of promise will carry destiny without sorrow.
THOUGHT TO PONDER: Am I allowing pressure to push me into birthing Ishmael in marriage? Am I willing to wait for Isaac, God’s covenant choice, no matter how long it takes?
PRAYER: Lord, deliver me from impatience that births Ishmael. Help me to wait for Isaac, the covenant fulfilment of Your promise.
BIBLE IN A YEAR:
Malachi 1:1-2:17, Revelation 21:1-27, Psalm 149:1-9, Proverbs 31:10-24
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