Trusting God’s Timing Over Our Own

Learning to Trust

Sarai, Abram, and Hagar’s Choices

When We Take Matters Into Our Own Hands

Faith, Frustration, and God’s Faithfulness in the Waiting

“Wait for the Lord; be strong,

 and let your heart take courage; 

wait for the Lord!”

 (Psalm 27:14)

Genesis 16:1-16 – Trusting God in the Waiting and the Mess

In Genesis 16, we find Sarai, Abram, and Hagar caught in a web of human attempts to fulfill God’s promises through their own plans. Sarai’s desire to provide an heir for Abram was understandable; in that culture, a woman’s identity and worth were often measured by her ability to bear children. Yet, in her impatience and Abram’s willingness to follow human customs over divine promises, complications quickly arose. Through their story, we see the struggles that come when we attempt to take over God’s plans, and we learn about His grace and faithfulness even in our messiest moments.

Acting in Human Strength Instead of Divine Faith (Genesis 16:1-3)

Sarai, struggling to believe God’s promise of a child, takes matters into her own hands by giving her servant Hagar to Abram as a surrogate. This custom was accepted at the time, but it demonstrated a lack of trust in God’s specific promise for her and Abram. As N.T. Wright notes, “When we live by human customs rather than God’s word, we often find ourselves in a tangled mess.” Abram’s acquiescence shows that even the father of faith struggled with doubt and impatience.

Rick Warren points out that “waiting tests our trust in God, while impatience reveals our lack of it.” In their impatience, Sarai and Abram’s actions brought tension and discord into their family—showing that when we act outside of God’s guidance, we often create problems rather than solutions.

Shifting Blame and Harboring Resentment (Genesis 16:4-6)

After Hagar conceives, her attitude toward Sarai changes, causing jealousy and resentment to grow between them. Sarai, frustrated by the outcome, turns her anger toward Abram, blaming him for the situation she initiated. This reaction is reminiscent of Adam and Eve’s blame-shifting in the Garden (Genesis 3:12-13). As Charles Spurgeon noted, “Blame-shifting is a subtle form of pride; it seeks to preserve our ego by placing fault on others.”

Matthew Henry comments, “It is easier to blame others than to face our own faults.” Like Sarai, we can often project our frustrations onto others, especially when we see the consequences of our own misguided decisions. This story encourages us to examine our hearts and take responsibility for our actions, rather than allowing anger and pride to damage our relationships.

Hagar’s Desperation and God’s Compassion (Genesis 16:6-13)

Feeling isolated and mistreated, Hagar flees to the wilderness. Yet even there, God finds her, demonstrating His compassion for those whom others overlook. The angel of the Lord speaks directly to Hagar, calling her by name and instructing her to return and submit to Sarai, promising that her descendants will be numerous. Hagar’s encounter with God becomes a turning point—she recognizes God as “El Roi,” the God who sees her in her suffering and loneliness.

Tim Keller reflects on this moment: “God’s grace finds us even when we are far from where we should be.” God’s care for Hagar, an outsider and a runaway, shows that His compassion reaches those whom society might abandon. Alexander Maclaren observes, “God’s eyes are on those who seem invisible to the world.” This encounter reassures us that no matter how far we stray, God sees us and is willing to bring us back with grace.

Trusting God’s Timing and Embracing His Grace

The story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar is one of human failures, yet God’s promises remain steadfast. Even when we act in our own strength, God can redeem our situations for good. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” This doesn’t excuse our mistakes, but it assures us that God’s grace is greater than our failures.

Eugene Peterson notes, “Faith is often forged in the waiting, where we learn to trust that God’s promises are not bound by our timetables.” Waiting on God’s timing may stretch us, but it refines our faith, teaching us to rely on His perfect plan rather than our limited understanding.

A Prayer for Patience and Trust

Dear Lord, 

Help us to trust in Your timing and resist the urge to take matters into our own hands. Forgive us when we grow impatient and turn to human solutions over Your divine promises. May we learn from Abram, Sarai, and Hagar to lean on Your strength and wait on Your perfect plan. Teach us to see You as the God who sees us, no matter where we are or how far we’ve wandered. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Supporting Scriptures

• Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”

• Psalm 27:14 – “Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage.”

• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”

Soli Deo Gloria

God’s Hand in History

God’s Sovereignty in the Rise and Fall of Empires

From Persia to the End Times

Faithful Through Chaos

Antiochus to Antichrist

The Cost of Faithfulness in Troubled Times

Prophetic Insights and Eternal Hope

A Verse-by-Verse Journey Through Daniel 11

 Daniel 11 is a detailed prophecy spanning the Persian Empire, the rise of Alexander the Great, the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms, and the rise of a future Antichrist figure. 

Verses 1-2: The Persian Kings

“And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him. Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.”

Historical Context

The “three more kings” refer to successors of Cyrus the Great: Cambyses, Bardiya (or Smerdis), and Darius I. The “fourth” is Xerxes I, known for his immense wealth and for waging war against Greece (e.g., the Battle of Thermopylae).

Cross-Reference:

• Ezra 4:6 mentions Ahasuerus (Xerxes) opposing the rebuilding of the temple.

• Esther 1:4 highlights Xerxes’ lavish display of wealth.

Matthew Henry: “This shows the precision of God’s foreknowledge and the futility of earthly power when set against His sovereign will.”

Verses 3-4: The Rise and Fall of Alexander the Great

“Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven.”

Historical Context

The “mighty king” is Alexander the Great. His empire, after his death, was divided among four generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy.

Cross-Reference:

• Daniel 8:8 also describes the division of Alexander’s empire.

Alexander Maclaren: “The brevity of Alexander’s reign is a reminder of the transient nature of human glory.”

Verses 5-20: The Kings of the North and South

These verses describe the conflict between the Seleucid dynasty (“king of the North”) and the Ptolemaic dynasty (“king of the South”).

• Verse 5: The rise of Ptolemy I (South) and Seleucus I (North).

• Verse 6: Political alliances through marriage, such as Berenice (daughter of Ptolemy II) marrying Antiochus II.

• Verse 7-9: Retaliation and invasions between the North and South.

• Verse 20: A tax collector (likely Heliodorus) sent by Seleucus IV, paving the way for the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Cross-References:

• Isaiah 31:1 speaks of trusting in alliances rather than God.

• Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that God directs the plans of kings.

Charles Spurgeon: “Even the mightiest of rulers are but pawns in the hands of the Almighty.”

Verses 21-35: Antiochus IV Epiphanes (A Type of Antichrist)

“He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue.”

Antiochus IV Epiphanes: Known for desecrating the Jewish temple (the “abomination of desolation,” verse 31) and persecuting the faithful.

Key Themes:

• The persecution of God’s people (verse 33).

• The refinement and purification of the faithful through trials (verse 35).

Cross-References:

• 1 Maccabees 1:54-61 (historical account of Antiochus’s persecution).

• Matthew 24:15 (Jesus refers to the abomination of desolation as a future event).

Eugene Peterson: “This period of intense persecution reveals the cost of faithfulness and the ultimate victory of God’s people.”

Verses 36-39: A Future Antichrist

“The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods.”

Dual Fulfillment: While these verses have historical application to Antiochus, they point to a future Antichrist who will embody ultimate rebellion against God.

Cross-References:

• 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 describes the Antichrist exalting himself above God.

• Revelation 13:5-6 mentions blasphemy and persecution by the beast.

William Barclay: “This figure serves as the culmination of rebellion, but his end is certain under the hand of God.”

Verses 40-45: The Time of the End

“At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships.”

Eschatological Focus: These verses shift toward the “time of the end,” likely describing events leading up to Christ’s return.

• Themes:

• Global conflict and the gathering of nations (verse 40).

• The ultimate defeat of evil (verse 45).

• Cross-References:

• Revelation 16:12-16 speaks of the gathering of nations at Armageddon.

• Daniel 12:1-2 (continuation) promises deliverance for God’s people.

Timothy Keller: “History moves toward a climax where Christ will reign, and all earthly powers will bow before Him.”

Application and Reflection

1. God’s Sovereignty Over History

The precise fulfillment of prophecies in Daniel 11 underscores God’s control over world events. Despite the chaos of human affairs, God’s purposes stand firm.

• Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations.”

2. The Cost of Faithfulness

The persecution described in verses 32-35 reminds us that standing for God often comes at a price. Yet, God uses trials to refine and purify His people.

• 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you.”

3. Anticipating Christ’s Return

The final verses of Daniel 11 point to the ultimate resolution of history in Christ’s return. Believers are called to remain faithful and vigilant.

• Revelation 22:12: “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me.”

Conclusion

Daniel 11 is a profound testimony to the sovereignty of God, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the call to faithfulness in the face of persecution. Its detailed prophecy reveals God’s hand in history, while its eschatological themes point us toward the hope of Christ’s ultimate victory.

As Timothy Keller states: “God’s promises are not just for the absence of trouble, but for His presence in the midst of it.” Matthew Henry aptly concludes, “Though the affairs of nations are intricate and perplexing, they are ordered by the unerring wisdom of God, and His people can trust in His eternal purposes.

Soli Deo Gloria