Receiving the actual promise

Hebrews 6:15 (New International Version)

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.

Waiting is not easy. There are lot of temptations to work our own way to make the promise of God come true in our life. God had promised Abraham that he will have son through whom Abraham's descendants will be like the stars in the sky (Genesis 15:4, 5). Sarah waited; but after some years when she did not conceive, she thought that she should help God by doing her part. Sarah suggested that Abraham should have a son through her servant Hagar. Abraham heeded to her advice and Ishmael was born. But Ishmael was not God's promise of the covenant, but Isaac (Gen 17: 17-22). Abraham knew that God is capable of doing what He had promised. Instead of standing by faith, he gave in to his wife's direction and the result was Ishmael and his descendants. Yet God was so kind that he forgave Abraham and gave him Isaac as per His promise.

Genesis 21:2 (New International Version)

Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

Sometimes instead of we waiting to receive from God what He had promised, we work our own ways and bring Ishmael into the picture. We need to take decisions not based on our perceptions and understanding (that it is God's will) during the time of waiting, but based on God's leading. We need to ask God whether what appears to be from Him, is truly His will and plan for our life. We should ask the Lord to lead us and open doors only if it is His will. Depending on the Lord for every step and decision in our life is crucial. Only then we will receive from God what He actually planned for us as per His promise...