The Ishmael Syndrome

Genesis 16:1-16 . . . Abraham and Sarah lend God a hand with the promise.

Genesis 17:15-21 . . . Troubles begin . . . Can Ishmael be the promise . . . Hes already here!

Genesis 21:9-21 . . . Ishmael and Hagar are forced into the desert because Abraham and Sarah tried lending God a hand with the promise.

Too many are settling for Ishmael in their lives.

God did not promise you Ishmael. He promised you Isaac.

Don't settle for Ishmael no matter how much you want and love him.

Don't become satisfied with less than what God has promised.

Don't interfere with Gods plan. You cant help God no matter what!

I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "God gave me a new car!" (or new house, or new apartment, or new furniture, or new anything). I always ask, "Did He also give you a monthly payment you can barely handle?" If so, you have an Ishmael. When God also gives you the funds to pay for the car, you will have received your Isaac, your promise.

Too many are settling for Ishmael because they don't have the faith to wait for Isaac.

Hebrews 11:1 What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see. (NLT) . . . Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)

Faith is an inner conviction based on the Word of God.

Substance = Assurance ("a standing under") . . . Evidence = Proof.

God cannot lie and God cannot change.

Therefore, I have the authority to believe for an answer.

Seven Results of Faith:

1. (Hebrews 11:1) Get substance or assurance.

2. (Hebrews 11:1) Get evidence or focus.

3. (Hebrews 11:2) Get a good report.

4. (Hebrews 11:3) Get understanding . . . "I know that I know that He will do it."

5. (Hebrews 11:4) Become an excellent sacrifice . . . "Praise Him for His greatness."

6. (Hebrews 11:5) Your life is translated or changed.

7. (Hebrews 11:5) You please God with your changed life.

Don't let time be a robber

Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.