This Bible study is all about how to wait on God’s promises when you’re struggling to believe.
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How do you wait on God’s promises? Are you clinging to the many promises He gives throughout scripture? God did not promise that waiting would be easy (as we can see through the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Lot) but He did promise to never leave or forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). If we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us (James 4:8).
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Read about Waiting on God’s promises, before reflecting on it below.
Genesis 16-19
Waiting on God’s promises
Another 10 years had passed without a promised child. Sarai decided that if God would not provide, she would find a way to fulfill the promise. It was customary that if a slave bore a masters child, the child would belong to the master and would be an heir to the household. Sarai did the logical thing and told Abram of her plan. And Abram, instead of trusting the promise of God, decided to listen.
How often do you try to take the place of God and help him fulfil his promise to you (Romans 4:16)?
Trusting in the God who sees
Now that Hagar was with Abram’s child, her status was elevated above Sarai’s. Because of this, Sarai treated Hagar so badly that she felt the need to run away before her child was even born. But God met Hagar in her place of desperation and Hagar declared “You are the God who sees me.”
How has God met you in your places of desperation (Psalm 34:4)? Do you know that God sees you?
Trusting in God’s promises
God appeared many times to Abraham, reminding him of the promised heir through Sarah. Just like Abraham, we need the promises of God repeated to us often. The Bible tells us that faith comes from hearing the word of God.
How can you stay connected to God and be reminded of His promises (Romans 10:17)?
Powerful prayer of the Righteous
Abraham had a close relationship with God, and they discussed the city of Sodom. God lets Abraham know that the cities will be destroyed because of their wickedness. Abraham’s response was to draw near to God and be specific in what he was asking God (will you destroy it if 50 are righteous?). When we pray, we should also draw near to God, so that we are praying with the right heart.
How do you pray? What can you learn from how Abraham talked with God? Do you draw near to God when you pray? Do you pray with a specific goal in mind (James 1:6)?
Compromised by sin
The city of Sodom was destroyed, but Lot was rescued because he was found righteous. Although he was right with God, he allowed his family to be compromised by sin.
Do you let sin come into your life and compromise your family? How can you stand firm when you see sin around you (2 Peter 2:4-10)?
Reflect on waiting on God’s promises
What are some practical ways that will help you wait on God’s promises today?
