Abram Gets His First Son at 86

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram. Genesis 16:15-16

Steps 1, 2, 3, 11, 12

Now that Hagar bears him a son Abram is pretty proud of himself for he has helped God with a child. Abram does not yet understand that God does not need Abram’s help – God could give Abram a son in many different ways. But God wanted the son of Abram to be a child of promise rather than a child of works. Abram had worked hard to have this child and he was happy.

Prayer for Today: God, You know how limited our understanding of most anything can be. We pray today that we may learn Your lessons that we may seek You out, and that we may respond to You positively when You seek us out. We recognize that we get caught up in things and we pray again today for Your love, Your mercy, and Your grace.