Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the Lord hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. (Genesis 16:1-2)
Yes, God promised, and Sarai believed Him, at least for a while. But in the span of a decade, the promise God made to Abram seemed to be gone, leading Sarai to venture into the dangerous realm of 'maybe.'
“Maybe,” Sarai could have thought, “what God really meant was this…”
“Maybe,” Sarai could have thought, “God wants this to be done another way…”
“Maybe,” Sarai could have thought, “I messed this up and God wants it done differently…”
This ‘maybe' indicates wavering faith and a seed of doubt that, when acted upon, will produce a multitude of negative consequences. Even when we believe in God's promises, time always tests our faith, tempting us to take matters into our own hands.
During Sarai’s season of doubt, Abram should have stepped up to encourage her faith. Instead, he failed in his position as leader of their home and allowed her to stew in her disbelief. Just as Adam was held accountable in the Garden of Eden, Abram bears a large amount of responsibility as a spiritual guide that did not step up to the plate and lead, guide, and support. Men are called to lead their families in faith, to be the first to hear from God, and to anchor their households in the Word of God. Men need to rise up as spiritual leaders, anchoring their families in God's Word and promises.
Practical Application
Have you been waiting on a promise from God to come to pass? Are you wondering: “How long will I have to wait?” Don’t give up in the waiting. God has a plan. Don’t throw your “maybe” seeds of doubt into what God has promised. Write some things God has placed upon your heart and speak faith over them. God is faithful to do what He has promised. Delays are not denials.