It is often in times of waiting that it is most difficult to follow God, and that is where Abram and Sarai found themselves. Rather than continue to wait, they took matters into their own hands. This passage teaches us three actions to following God’s will. First, we are to trust him, and not commit the sin of self-reliance or following cultural norms rather than God’s Word. Second, we are to take ownership of our sin. Sin that is not owned continues a cycle of sin, and the gospel requires us to own and confess our sin. Third, we are to obey. God found Hagar in the desert, and he shows her the point of our greatest blessing is always in obedience to God.

Genesis 16