Day 18: Genesis 2:21
Devotional
READ GENESIS 2:21
I often forget that I’m reading Bible stories from the comfort of the "cheap seats." I know how these stories end, but the people living them did not. As a result, it’s easy for me to gloss over Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac because I already know God provided another sacrifice. I know David defeats Goliath, the Prodigal Son returns, and Jesus rises from the dead. But the people living through those moments didn’t know the outcome. They didn’t have the hindsight I have, but rather experienced every bit of suspense, terror, or doubt in those moments.
In Genesis 2:21-22, God addresses Adam's loneliness by creating Eve from one of his ribs. I wonder if Adam knew that to fix his loneliness, it would require "surgery." Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse reminds us that even when God’s plans seem unclear, even when it doesn’t feel like His plans aren't working in our favor, and even when we can’t see the full picture yet…His plans are for our good. If I had been there, witnessing God putting Adam to sleep and then removing one of his ribs, I might have thought disaster was on the horizon!
Maybe you're in the middle of your story right now, and God's plan doesn’t look like the solution you were expecting. Adam’s problem was loneliness; maybe yours is the same. Or maybe it's a relationship struggle or a persistent sin you're wrestling with. God’s plans often seem strange right before they come to pass. Consider Gideon’s victory, achieved with clay pitchers, lamps, and trumpets. Look at David, a boy defeating a giant. And finally, look at Adam, who gained his perfect life partner through the removal of a rib from his own body.
I often forget that I’m reading Bible stories from the comfort of the "cheap seats." I know how these stories end, but the people living them did not. As a result, it’s easy for me to gloss over Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac because I already know God provided another sacrifice. I know David defeats Goliath, the Prodigal Son returns, and Jesus rises from the dead. But the people living through those moments didn’t know the outcome. They didn’t have the hindsight I have, but rather experienced every bit of suspense, terror, or doubt in those moments.
In Genesis 2:21-22, God addresses Adam's loneliness by creating Eve from one of his ribs. I wonder if Adam knew that to fix his loneliness, it would require "surgery." Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” This verse reminds us that even when God’s plans seem unclear, even when it doesn’t feel like His plans aren't working in our favor, and even when we can’t see the full picture yet…His plans are for our good. If I had been there, witnessing God putting Adam to sleep and then removing one of his ribs, I might have thought disaster was on the horizon!
Maybe you're in the middle of your story right now, and God's plan doesn’t look like the solution you were expecting. Adam’s problem was loneliness; maybe yours is the same. Or maybe it's a relationship struggle or a persistent sin you're wrestling with. God’s plans often seem strange right before they come to pass. Consider Gideon’s victory, achieved with clay pitchers, lamps, and trumpets. Look at David, a boy defeating a giant. And finally, look at Adam, who gained his perfect life partner through the removal of a rib from his own body.
Personal Reflection
- Which is your favorite story from the Bible that shows God’s faithfulness in the middle of what seems like a peculiar plan?
- What are your stories from your past of God’s faithfulness being worked at the end of a hardship or difficulty?
- Who can you share your current struggle with today in order to receive encouragement?
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
4 Comments
I can think of several times God has performed surgery on me and the outcome was beautiful. I did not like it in the moment, but God was bringing about something better. Great reminder today Dustin. Thanks!
Many times I’m unsure where I’m going and what God is doing in my life. But one thing I know: He has been faithful in every outcome.
Thanks Dustin for this gentle yet poignant example of God’s skillful surgery.
Great thoughts. Thank you - I know the Lord has spared me from further challenges; provided outcomes that I couldn’t even foresee. I wonder if Adam truly knew he was lonely. How often are we oblivious to reality? So thankful God knows what’s best for us; even when we don’t.