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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Genesis 16:3b

Read: Genesis 16:3-6
Listen: Genesis 16

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Abram’s family suffers a massive meltdown. Not just any family, Abram (Abraham) is a central figure in the Bible and a man of great faith. Families can be the best place to learn love and acceptance. They also can be places to experience rejection, pain and frustration, even in families of great faith. Sarai suggests to Abram a surrogate pregnancy, a common practice in ancient times. Rather than trusting God and continuing to wait, they run ahead of God. Sarai gives her personal slave to Abram, who gets pregnant right away. It spirals from there. Hagar is condescending. Sarai is mean. Abram is passive. Everyone carries the blame. It’s a total mess, and Hagar runs.

The Bible makes it clear we aren’t alone when we experience meltdowns. If we haven’t experienced a meltdown in our family, we’ve likely seen it in someone else’s. Breaking points aren’t reserved for families far from God. All families need the grace of God to love well and follow his plan.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Is there a family mess you need to bring to God? Pray for the struggles in your family and the families around you. We care about families at Ada Bible Church. If your family is struggling, we would love to come alongside you. Please email  care@adabible.org. We also have a marriage event, “Doing Marriage Better,” on October 6 at the Cascade Campus or online. Details and registration at adabible.info > info&events.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

September is COMMUNITY. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.