Somewhere … in the back of her mind, she vaguely recalled there was a plan, but now that plan seemed absolutely inappropriate and impossible! What difference would it make if she had an idea to make her dream and God’s promise come true now? Well … sort of. With a little finagling, she could make it happen.

Sarah thought she had it all figured out. God had promised her and Abraham a child, but now at age 75/76, it apparently was time for her to intervene. Surely, God had forgotten His promise or they had misunderstood what He meant. God must need her help!

Many times, we have the same attitude. We think we know better than God, that His timing and way of doing things are wrong. We demand our way, interfering to control people and/or circumstances to change an outcome, timing, or both. Personally, I have found that butting in usually backfires in my face. Like Sarah, we make the situation worse and must suffer consequences.

Sarah’s answer was to give her maidservant to her husband Abraham (an ancient custom). Her foolish intervention would be a source of hostility for all generations once Sarah gave birth to her own promised son, Isaac, at age 90. (Genesis 16:1-18:15; 21:1-21)

Thank God for His mercy, grace, and forgiveness when we foolishly butt in. BUT may we learn from Sarah’s mistake and patiently wait on the Lord, surrender to His plan, and trust that He knows best and is working even when we are unaware.

“Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands” (Deuteronomy 7:9).