Moving To God’s Better Plan
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 21:1-21 and Psalm 80:12-19 (NIV)
(Timothy Chan, Strangely Warmed Retreat Committee)
READ:
Genesis 21:1-21 and Psalm 80:12-19 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In Genesis 21, Abraham gave the name Isaac to his newborn son, born miraculously to Sarah, presumed to be post-menopausal at age ninety. God’s better plan replaced Abraham’s attempt to fulfil the promise of descendants through Ishmael, born to Sarah’s slave Hagar.
Sarah requested that Ishmael, who had mocked Isaac, have no part in Abraham’s inheritance. God comforted Abraham’s distress and promised to bless Ishmael, but directed Abraham to honour Sarah’s wish. Hagar and Ishmael were sent away into the desert, where God saved them and later established a nation through Ishmael.
Isaac’s name means laughter – a reflection of God’s humour in the timing of Isaac’s birth in his parents’ old age. It was a miracle of God’s sovereign choice. God willed that the promised offspring came solely from Abraham and Sarah, showing His rejection of man’s plan.
APPLY:
Like Abraham, I too faced a difficult decision. My guilt and fears were burdens causing me to hesitate. God had a better plan for my work yet I didn’t take His promise seriously. I couldn’t set aside what was ongoing: there were too many consequences which could cause disappointment to those who supported me. Then, earlier this year, God caused a major shake-up that directly opened a path to greener pastures.
I struggled to let go of my human plan. But God knows, and He has promised to journey with me even in my poorer choices. Moving forward requires the courage and commitment to dismantle what was, painstakingly break away, and make room for His greater horizon. God is working still. Amen.
DO:
Learning to keep in step with God is a discipline I must practise. All I should be doing is acting on what God has set in front of me, not overthinking the grand promise He has disclosed. I must have the faith to believe God will see me through.
PRAY:
Jesus, You love me and have the best in mind for my situation. Thank You. Let me not disappoint Your grace. Psalm 80:17 speaks of the Son of Man whom You raised up – a promise fulfilled in Your coming, made possible through Abraham’s faithful obedience. May Your greater plan in my life be fulfilled, and let Your glory shine through me, Amen.
