Read Genesis 16. I dare you. Perhaps you're familiar with it, perhaps you've never come across it. One of the things I love about spending time in the Word is how it not only is transforming, but no matter how many times you read a passage you can get something so different yet so meaningful out of it every time! Amazing, huh? But anyway, back to what I was saying. I was reading this particular chunk of Scripture the other day when I was sitting alone in my internship office. The daily crossword puzzle had lost it's zest, I had exhausted my Pinterest crafting ideas, and it was around lunch time, so it wasn't terribly hip happenin' in there. So I whipped out the good ol' Biblia and began reading...



In this passage, Sarai and Abram wished to conceive, but for whatever reason could not. Sarai, so desperate for a child and so eager to take matters into her own hands after reaching her wits end, ordered her husband Abram to sleep with their servant, Hagar. Next thing you know, Abram agreed, and Hagar was with child.
So what was Sarai's reaction to this order she set into motion? She didn't like that Hagar had what she so deeply desired, and she shifted the blame on Hagar and Abram alike. Hagar began to despise her so much to the point that she fled. The story continues, but for the sake of what I'm getting at, we'll stop here.


This got me thinking, friends. How many times in my life have I:
a) wanted something so, so badly I went out of God's way to pursue it?
b) craved something that was not aligned with God's will for me?
c) been so impatient with God's timing that I neglected God from the picture and took charge?
d) made an impulsive decision out of my selfish ambition? And then in my frustration with the outcome, blamed it on someone or something other than myself, the catalyst?
e) simply forgotten who ultimately is in control?


Out of my own insecurities I've made some pretty rash decisions in my life to gain control. And by "gain control", I mean "find some sense of security". Because having security means finding roots in your identity. Security, significance, and self-worth-- those are the big 3 it comes down to if you ask me. How thankful and grateful I am that we have a God who loves us so unconditionally, who values us with passion and looks at us with worth, and who gladly helps us up when we fall to the wayside. We have a God who knows our hearts on an intimate level, a God who has every aspect of our lives and being planned out and set in stone. A God who only gives us small pieces of the big picture at a time so that we depend on Him, so that we do not get overwhelmed, and so that in the day by day/moment by moment living, our identity and worth can be found in Him alone through the wisdom and love He longs to share with us.


Neato burrito stuff, eh?
I'm off to the beach now. Adios amigos. Be blessed on this sunny Sunday!