(8) Foolish Man. Faithful God.

When was the last time you wanted something so badly that you were tempted to do almost anything to get it? Our desire for even good things can lead us in the wrong direction. That's what we see in Genesis 16. God promised Abram and his wife Sarai a son. So, it was good for them to want that. But they made a disastrous decision to pursue that desire outside the bounds of God's will.
The young people who have just publicly professed their faith made a vow that is common to all believers: We must serve God "according to his word … forsake the world … put to death [our] old nature, and … lead a godly life." Abram and Sarai had the same duty. Their failure warns us about what happens when we break that vow. Yet, through it all, God's goodness shines.