This at West Bradenton and North River we began a new series entitled, “Holding on to Hope”, and explored Genesis 16 where Sarai & Abram run ahead of God’s promise.  (Want to listen?  Click here)

If you are a follower of Christ, here are a few action steps when tempted to run ahead of God and resort to “Hagar solutions.”

• Stop and wait on the Lord. (Psalm 130:5-8)
• Refuse the temptation to take matters into my own hands (Proverbs 14:12)
• Walk by the Spirit and follow His promptings (Galatians 5:16)
• Refuse to  gratify the desires of my flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
• Obey God’s commands (1 John 5:2-3)
• Seek help from godly people (Proverbs 15:22; 19:20)

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.  (Romans 8:5-6 ESV)