Did you ever wish you could have a do-over or a second chance? You're not alone. Since we are all human, we have all made an impetuous decision or two. God's Word is riddled with stories of such examples, one right after another.
Abraham had been promised by God that he would be a great nation (Gen 12:4). God even went as far as revealing this promise would begin with his own child (Gen 15:4). While receiving this news you would think Abraham and Sarah would have the ability to wait for God to fulfill His plan in their lives; yet time seemed to wane and every day that passed, Sarah being passed the age of giving birth, worried the possibility seemed less likely.
Sarai said to Abram, "Since the Lord has prevented me from bearing children, go to my slave; perhaps I can have children by her." And Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So Abram's wife Sarai took Hagar, her Egyptian slave, and gave her to her husband Abram as a wife for him. This happened after Abram had lived in the land of Canaan 10 years. Genesis 16:2-3 (HCSB)
Unfortunately, a decision fueled by impatience many times will result with profound regret and challenging consequences. He slept with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she realized that she was pregnant, she treated her mistress with contempt. Then Sarai said to Abram, "You are responsible for my suffering! I put my slave in your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has treated me with contempt. May the Lord judge between me and you." Gen 16:4-5 (HCSB)
Practically Speaking: When you think of the future do you worry? Worry is a result of dwelling on things we can't change and possibly will never happen. Invariably, it may cause us to make an impulsive and sometimes calculated decision, resembling Abraham and Sarah's. In order to break the chain, we must begin to pray diligently with thankfulness, thanking God for even the waiting, and we will begin to experience peace. It's a promise! Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 (HCSB)