Abram

January 20

Genesis 16:1-6

Listening to the right advice

After living in Canaan for ten years, Abram’s wife still had no children. It seemed as though she could never have any, so she said to Abram, “Why don’t you let my servant have a baby instead. Then the baby will be like my own.”

Abram agreed, and let Hagar have a baby. While she was pregnant, Hagar became proud and looked down on Sarai because she couldn’t have a baby of her own.

Then Sarai complained to Abram, saying, “It is your fault that Hagar looks down on me.”

Abram replied, “She is your slave. Do whatever you want with her.” Then Sarai became so mean and nasty towards Hagar that Hagar ran away.

Should I listen to the advice of others?

Many times, life is not as simple as we would like it to be. Sooner or later we come across tough problems that need to be solved. Sometimes the solution is obvious; other times it is not and we are faced with a difficult decision.

Perhaps we may ask for advice, trusting that others can tell us what the best option is. Unfortunately, some people’s ideas come from things that have happened in their own lives. They only see the way a plan would work for them and not how it will affect you in the future—or how it will affect others.

It is great to know that we can turn to God for wisdom and guidance. He not only sees into the future, but also leads us in the way that is best for us.

Verse for today

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8