On April 5, 2009 Pastor Larry took Genesis 16 & 21 as his texts and delivered an incredible message called, “Ishmael Must Go”. It was the dramatic retelling of the time that Abraham and Sarah rushed ahead of God and tried to “make good on God’s promise” of a son. It was a terrible mistake on Abraham’s part. Years later when he had to send Ishmael and Hagar into the desert it broke his heart. God allowed Ishmael to stay close to Abraham for 14 years but ultimately the child had to go. Parting with our “pet sins” is never easy but if we would go to the next level of Christian growth it is an imperative action. Our Ishmaels must go.
Pastor Larry divided his message into two parts. With great passion he guided our thoughts toward...
1. God has a plan for our lives.
God has a plan for your life; it is as detailed as your palm print, DNA and your dental records. You are the rarest thing in existence today. There never has been another you and there never will be – God made you, He loves you and He has a plan for YOUR life. His plan is always better than our plans. It is hard to remember this sometimes - even for ole Father Abraham.
2. What Is Your Ishmael?
Our “Ishmaels”
Cleverly, Pastor Larry reminded us that sometimes God does not take away our love for that which forbidden - our Ishmaels. Abraham loved Ishmael and that was not going to change – ever. He had to learn to live with the pain of “letting go” of the substitute. We simply have to obey God and follow His will for our lives. It is always best.
