And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation – Genesis 17:20
“Everything looks good. I only need to run a background check, and once that comes back negative, I’ll welcome you aboard as an entry-level account specialist. How does that sound?” Jennifer, the hiring officer, declared. “Like I need to tell you that you’ll probably see a recording for underage drinking at eighteen. Ms. Richardson, I’m no longer reckless like I was back then. I learned my lesson,” Carly solemnly announced. “I believe you have. I assure you that if it’s the only thing that pops up, then I’ll be showing you your desk later today,” Jennifer said with a smile.
Ishmael may have been the result of Abraham and Sarah’s impatience, but he wasn’t an accident, nor a mistake. God foreknew his arrival and ensured His care. And He will do the same for my “carts before the horses.” This had been my assessment of certain personal rash decisions as I was reminded of Abraham and Sarah’s first child, Ishmael, and the assurance of his future: “Behold, I have blessed him” (Genesis 17:20).
Maybe like me, you’ve pondered former choices that are perceived to be impediments to your future. However, please be comforted, as I’ve been, that just as Abraham and Sarah were rewarded with the son they had been promised, so will the promises given us be fulfilled. Because our Ishmaels, metaphorically speaking to be past questionable decisions, have already been incorporated into God’s plans for us.