When Jenny’s husband left her for another woman, she vowed that she would never meet his new wife. But when she realised that her bitterness was damaging her children’s relationship with their father, she asked for God’s help to take the first steps towards overcoming bitterness in a situation she couldn’t change.
In Genesis 16, we read the story of a couple to whom God later promised a baby. When Sarai suggested that her husband Abram have a child with their servant, Hagar, she wasn’t fully trusting God for the child He had promised. When the baby was born, Hagar despised Sarai (Genesis 16:3-4), and Sarai became bitter (vv.5-6).
Hagar had been the slave with no rights and suddenly she was special. How did Sarai react? By blaming others, including Abram (v.5). God’s promise was realised in the birth of Isaac 14 years later. Even his weaning celebration was spoiled by Sarai’s attitude (21:8-10).
It may never have been easy for Sarai to have lived with the consequences of their decision to go ahead of God. It may have taken a miracle of grace to change her attitude, but that could have transformed everything. Sarai couldn’t reverse the decision, but through God’s strength she could have lived with it differently and given God the glory. – Marion Stroud
Thank You, Lord, that though our situations may not change, Your grace is strong enough to change us in our situations. Help us as we struggle sometimes to live in this sinful world.

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By God’s grace, we can reflect His light in the dark times.
READ:
Genesis 16:1-6; 21:8-13

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And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
-Genesis 16:5

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THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Proverbs 22-24
2 Corinthians 8

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Source: www.dailydevotionalsonline.com (Our Daily Bread Section - September 15, 2016)