MOMENT OF ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL
By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
Topic: Don't Father Your Own Ishmael and Then Beg God to Promote Him Above 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
One of the most remarkable talents many believers possess is the ability to help God do His job!
When God says, "Wait," we hear, “Rush.”
When God says, "Trust Me," we hear, “Try Plan B.”
When God says, "I have prepared an Isaac," we quickly manufacture an Ishmael and then organize a seven-day fasting program asking God to endorse our handiwork!
Abraham loved God, but one day he became impatient. Instead of waiting for God's promise, he assisted heaven with human wisdom. The result was Ishmael.
Years later, when God announced that Isaac was still the chosen promise, Abraham passionately pleaded:
“Lord, can't we just work with Ishmael?”
God's answer was essentially, “I will bless Ishmael, but My covenant belongs to Isaac.”
The lesson is clear: God may show mercy to your shortcuts, but He will never confuse them with His original plan.
How Believers Still Produce "Ishmaels" Today
1. In Marriage Matters
Some people become so tired of waiting that they begin interviewing spouses like employers conducting urgent recruitment.
After ignoring every warning sign, they announce:
“God understands.”
Of course He understands, but He also warned you!
An Ishmael relationship is born when fear drives the decision instead of divine direction.
2. In Ministry Assignments
Not every microphone holder is a minister, and not every title holder is called by God.
Sometimes appointments are made by politics, friendship, influence, or financial considerations.
Then everyone wonders why there is activity without anointing.
God funds His vision, not human ambition.
3. In Business and Career
A door opens, money looks attractive, and wisdom quietly leaves the room.
Months later, after ignoring counsel and spiritual warnings, the prayer becomes:
“Lord, please bless this venture.”
Remember: every profitable opportunity is not necessarily a divine opportunity.
Ishmaels are often easier to start than Isaacs.
4. In Parenting
Many parents discipline everybody except their own children.
They correct neighbors' children, counsel church members' children, but their own children are treated like untouchable royalty.
Years later they wonder why the harvest does not match the seed.
Children cannot be raised on convenience and expected to mature in character.
5. In Church Growth
Some ministries borrow every worldly strategy available and then pray for apostolic revival.
Smoke machines cannot replace the Holy Spirit.
Entertainment cannot substitute for genuine transformation.
You cannot construct God's kingdom with a blueprint borrowed from the world.
6. In Academic and Financial Pursuits
Cheating in examinations.
Bribing officials.
Forging documents.
Manipulating records.
Then presenting an offering and expecting heaven to rename Ishmael as Isaac.
No matter how attractive the packaging, a shortcut remains a shortcut.
Lessons from Abraham's Experience
- God's delay is not God's denial.
- Mercy does not equal approval.
- Ishmael may survive, but Isaac carries the covenant.
- What is born of impatience can never replace what is born of promise.
- Faith and patience remain God's preferred pathway to fulfillment.
The greatest tragedy is not making a mistake.
The greatest tragedy is insisting that God should rewrite His plan to accommodate that mistake.
Reflection Questions
1. Have I produced an "Ishmael" in any area of my life and asked God to endorse it?
2. Am I genuinely waiting for God's Isaac, or am I settling for my own alternatives?
3. Have I been using the phrase "God understands" to justify disobedience?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive me for every Ishmael I have produced through impatience, fear, pride, or self-dependence. Teach me to trust Your timing, embrace Your process, and remain faithful to Your promises. Give me the grace to wait for Your Isaac rather than manufacture my own alternatives. Let Your perfect will prevail in every area of my life. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Final Word
Stop trying to convince God to adopt what He never authored.
What God promised may take longer, but it will arrive with His blessing, His power, and His covenant.
Release the Ishmael of human effort and embrace the Isaac of divine 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 Ònà Àbáyọ
The Prophetic Prayer Home for All Nations
📧 cacsolutioncenter@outlook.com
📞 0700-700-2462