Sarah was a woman of faith, so she noticed when Ishmael began to mock Isaac. She discerned the danger her son was in by living with his half-brother. Sarah remembered what had happened to Abel, killed out of envy by Cain (Genesis 4). If Ishmael had been instructed by his mother to respect and love his brother, he might not have teased Isaac, still so young. Although nothing indicated that he would harm the boy, Sarah knew that evil can grow within people. That's why she didn't want to keep him close.

Who was the mother of Ishmael? Hagar was a servant who, at Sarah's request, slept with the patriarch when he was still vigorous. Sarah could not bear children and devised such a situation for her husband to become a father, and, in a moment of weakness, Abraham accepted the plan. Sarah thought that, in this way, the promise would be fulfilled, but God said: But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year” (Genesis 17:21).

We must trust in the Lord and, at the same time, be zealous for good, for divine promises will be fulfilled in the lives of those who love Him with all their heart. Nothing is better than letting Him guide us in everything. When we make a decision on our own, we do not act correctly and, therefore, we may suffer some attack from the enemy. We need to strive to do the will of the Most High, because He never makes mistakes.

The Lord is our Father, so why don't we continuously ask Him where we should be? The pastors would improve their ministry if they prayed before any action and remained vigilant in the Word to never take actions based on their own concepts. In God, we will be successful, as long as we follow His counsel. He did not hide anything from Abraham (Genesis 18:17).

In those days, in Sarah's house, Ishmael no longer showed respect for Isaac in front of those who lived there. Imagine how would he behave far from everyone? What could happen? Many people who were welcomed by generous people later ended up even killing those who helped them. Therefore, those who feel the duty from God to protect someone must, above all, act with prudence. Here we can apply Jesus' warning to His disciples: Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is (Mark 13:33).

When the Almighty spoke to our father in faith about the son that Sarah would have, Abraham interceded for Ishmael and heard from the Omnipotent: And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation (Genesis 17:20). God never changes His plans, but man in trial often tries to assist the Almighty, as Abraham did!

The Lord does not need us to do anything to help Him. His promise will be directed to those who love Him, keep His commandments, and follow them (John 14:21). God is neither late nor early and loves us with fraternal love. Why not walk before the Heavenly Father with clean garments? Otherwise, we will be cast out!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares