Do We Live by the Law or by God's Promise?

In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul contrasts the stories of Sarah and Hagar in Genesis (notably chapter 16). Hagar’s son (Ishmael) was born because Sarah and Abraham decided to make God’s promise a reality through their own power.

 Sarah’s son was born because God performed a miracle in her womb.

The conditions surrounding Ishmael’s birth and life were full of strife, jealousy, and contention. Isaac’s birth and life brought laughter, hope, and joy. 

When we live by the law or try to make things look good on paper while pushing for our own way, we reap results that often feel forced, unsatisfying, and disappointing. However, when we live by the spirit and allow God to work in His way and in His timing, we reap results that bring life. 

I’m reminded of something simple in my own life. Throughout Ezra and my years in ministry, I’ve hosted countless people. When we were first married, I was always stressed about making enough food for a group, having a spotless house, and proving that I had it all together. 

Over time, my outlook improved a bit, but I’ve still had my fair share of struggles in the hosting department. Worrying about how visitors left my floors and bathroom dirty, how physically tired I was, or how much energy hosting took from me when I still had plenty of other jobs to do were a few of my ongoing struggles.

When God Smiled 

Last year, I was shopping for a life group when God stopped me in my tracks (one of a handful of times this has happened in my life). The thought in my head as I reached for a now forgotten item was that it would make someone more comfortable in my home. As I reached for the item, I sensed God say, “I’m so pleased with you.”

I paused as I felt God smile at me. Tears came to my eyes as my mind flashed back to all the times I had struggled to have a good attitude hosting people in my home, and then all the times I had simply chosen to say another “yes” to God and let Him do a work in my heart. 

I’m not saying my attitude is always perfect, but I’m so thankful to say I have changed. Now, I don’t mind much about the image of my home when people arrive or the dirt left behind when they leave. 

Through the work Christ has done in my heart, I’m now more concerned with how people feel in my home and whether it radiates a sense of peace and welcome. 

Living by Promise

Living by promise has more to do with our hearts than our performance. It’s not as if I refused to host and then, through God’s work, chose to (though that might be someone else’s story). I was doing the same thing the whole time. 

I’m sure there were outward changes I wasn’t aware of at the time, but what changed the most was inside of me. New love for others, less love for my selfish desires. More surrender, less of having my own way. 

I’d challenge us all to look at areas in our lives that feel like a strain. Maybe we are technically living in obedience, but our hearts' attitudes need to change. 

Perhaps it’s a lack of trust, like Sarah and Abraham. Perhaps it’s being too focused on our insecurities and comfort zones, like my struggle. There are countless things that could be named. 

If one came to your mind, take a moment to pray and ask God to reveal your heart in this area, and to change it to one of surrender and the freedom that comes through living by promise.