Perhaps I Can
Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” — Genesis 16:1-2 Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King, God has given Abram a promise: a son of his own flesh and blood would be his heir. In fact, his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abram believed the Lord. But his wife Sarai remained childless and decided to take matters into her own hands. She begins by misinterpreting God’s intent. She solves the problem with her own wisdom. And she declares, “Perhaps I can build a family” through her slave Hagar. “Perhaps I can” are chilling words. God has spoken a promise and has said, “I will.” Sarai’s resentful response is, “God, You aren’t, so perhaps I can.” Lord, how often have I tried to find a shortcut to Your plan and purpose? I am short-sighted and I can’t see Your full plan. So...