MOMENT OF ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL
By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida

 

Topic: * Don’t Father Your Own Ishmael and Ask God to Take Him in Place of HIS Promised Isaac*

Text: Genesis 16:1-4; Genesis 17:18-21; Hebrews 6:12
Key Verse: “And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!” – Genesis 17:18 (KJV)
 

Introduction

We often claim the Lord understands
When we cut corners with our hands.
But the promise won't descend on schemes,
Nor bless the fruit of carnal dreams.
Don’t father your Ishmael, then cry,
"Lord, let him live!"—when heaven sighs.
 

* God does not fulfill His promises through shortcuts or impatience. When believers take matters into their own hands and create "Ishmaels"—works of the flesh—they often expect God to anoint what He never appointed. The true Isaac (promise) requires faith, waiting, obedience, and full alignment with God’s will and timing.* 
 

How Christians "Father Their Own Ishmael" in Today's Life

1.* In Marriage Decisions:*

Rushing into unsanctioned relationships because "time is going" or due to pressure from family or age.

Then praying, "God, let this be Your will," even when you knew He never approved.

Ishmael is born from human fear, not divine leading.

 

2. * In Ministry Appointments* :

Ordaining people God hasn’t called just because of politics or money.

Establishing churches or branches without divine instruction but expecting divine manifestation.

God doesn’t bless what He hasn’t initiated.
 

3. * In Career Choices and Business:*

Choosing jobs or partners solely based on profit and ignoring godly counsel or spiritual red flags.

Afterwards, asking God to "bless this business" or "make this job work."

Ishmaels are easier to start, but they carry long-term consequences.

 

4. * In Parenting and Child Training:*

Compromising discipline and godly instruction to please your children.

Using worldly methods to raise spiritual children, then expecting them to become godly.

Ishmael represents the product of human reasoning over divine instruction.

 

5. * In Church Growth Strategies:*

Copying worldly marketing gimmicks, entertainment-driven services, and motivational preaching to "attract" people.

Later asking for revival or divine fire.

You can’t build God's kingdom with man’s blueprint.

 

6. * In Academic or Financial Pursuits:*

Engaging in corruption, cheating, bribes, or falsifying documents, then tithing or sowing from it.

Saying, “After all, I’m helping the church.”

That is dressing Ishmael in Isaac’s clothing.
 

* Lessons from Abraham’s Mistake*

God heard Abraham’s plea, but refused to substitute Ishmael for Isaac (Genesis 17:19).

God had mercy on Ishmael, but the covenant remained with Isaac.

Your mistakes may survive, but they cannot carry your destiny.

God does not reward shortcuts. He honors steadfast obedience and patience.
 

Reflection Questions

1. Have I created an “Ishmael” in any area of my life and asked God to bless it?

2. Am I truly waiting for God’s “Isaac”—His perfect plan—or am I settling for what I can produce by myself?

3. Do I justify disobedience by saying, “God understands”?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I repent for every “Ishmael” I have fathered out of fear, pride, or impatience. Help me to trust Your timing and remain faithful to Your promise. Teach me to walk in obedience and discern Your divine will for my life. I surrender my plans, that I may receive Your purpose. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Final Word

Stop trying to persuade God to bless what you birthed outside His plan. God won’t replace Isaac with Ishmael. Let go of what you produced in the flesh, and wait for the fruit of promise.

> “That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” —Hebrews 6:12 
 

Your brother 
Prophet Dr Abiodun Adesida 
CAC IBUDO ONA ABAYỌ 
cacsolutioncenter@outlook.com 
0700-700-2462