Foundations November 3, 2012

 Read Galatians 3:26-29; 4:1-31
In your journal, write down the things that stick out to you from today’s Bible reading. Respond to what God shows you as you feel led (confession, thanksgiving, etc.).

It is human nature to try to take matters into our own hands. When God gives us a promise it requires faith to wait for Him to fulfill it. Abraham’s two children are an example of this. Ishmael, born through Abraham’s slave, is an example of mankind trying to fulfill God’s promises through human effort. Isaac, born through Abraham’s wife Sarah, is an example of God’s true plan. He desires to be the one to deliver His promises. Paul explains that this story is actually a prophetic picture. Under the law we try to fulfill God’s promises of justification by our own effort. Through faith in Christ we allow God to make his promises reality.

God’s plan is much better than our own. Not only does He deliver what He’s promised, He also grants us the right to become members of his family. We are not merely servants; we are accepted as sons and daughters – “children on the promise” (v 28). We can trust that out of “the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another” (John 1:16).

Prayer and Meditation

1.     Think over God’s promises for your life (specific, personal promises and/or universal promises found in Scripture). Do you trust God to fulfill them in His timing or are you trying to make them happen by your own effort? Confess as necessary and pray for greater faith in God’s promises.

2.     Paul first preached the Gospel to the Galatians because he was sick (3:13). Sometimes God allows negative things in our lives because He desires to use them for eternal purposes. Ask God if He desires to use anything negative in your life to build His kingdom.

3.     Spend some time praising God for the wisdom He shows in His plans and promises. Thank Him for the privilege of being called His child.