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Dealing With Your Ishmael – Part 2

and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac."
Genesis 21:10

It was easy for Sarah to say 'get rid' of them! She had no emotional investment in the deal! Abraham had fathered this son whom he loved and who bore his features. But just because you are willing to take responsibility for your actions, it does not mean there will not be painful consequences. Be careful where you lie down; getting up again may not be as easy as you think!

There are things in life you can give up effortlessly; others take every ounce of grace and grit you have. It is especially hard to give something up when you can see yourself reflected in it: a job you love, a house you are living in, a relationship you are involved in can make you want to keep things as they are. But when you have gone as far as you can with your Ishmael and you are ready to see God's promise fulfilled in your life, you must be willing to relinquish anything that will hold you back.

If you have ever wondered how Abraham could bear to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice on Mount Moriah, remember Ishmael. When you have given up one thing, it is easier to give up another. When you see somebody who really worships God, you might want to think twice before calling them a fanatic. Remember, behind the 'hallelujah' there is often a sacrifice. Chances are, when you look in their past you will find an Ishmael they loved and had to let go. Is there a message here for you?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me in "letting go" the things that hold me back from doing what it is you want me to do. In Jesus name, Amen