After reading in the book of Genesis, I was reminded of the serious consequences of the work of our OWN hands.

In life, situations and circumstances arise that seem difficult or impossible to overcome. It happens to us all. We are faced with the dilemma of how to handle those situations. As we look at the “earthly” situation, we must carefully guard against providing our OWN “earthly” solution. Such “earthly” solutions are made apart from God and are merely the work of our OWN hands.

Recall the account of Sarah, Abraham, and Hagar. (Genesis 16)

The “earthly” situation: Sarah had given Abraham no children.

The “earthly” (fleshly) solution: Abraham would go in to Hagar so that she would bear a child.

The result of the work of their OWN hands: Ishmael … whose descendants were forever enemies of the people of God.

Recall the account of the daughters of Lot. (Genesis 19)

The “earthly” situation: There were no husbands for them in the mountains.

The “earthly” (fleshly) solution: Get their father drunk and conceive by him.

The result of the work of their OWN hands: Moab and Ammon … whose descendants were forever the enemies of the people of God.

Recall the account of Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech. (Genesis 20)

The “earthly” situation: Fear that the king would kill Abraham to have his wife.

The “earthly” (fleshly) solution: Lie to protect himself.

What would have been the result of the work of their OWN hands: Sarah would have become the wife of Abimelech. This would have been in opposition to God’s plan for them. And Abimelech and his household would have died.

How careful we must be when facing difficult or seemingly impossible circumstances so that we don’t attempt to manipulate and “fix” a solution by the work of our OWN hands. It will never produce good results.

Rather, we must trust the Lord and allow Him to provide the “heavenly” (spiritual) solution. His answer will be in complete accordance with His Word and His righteousness. And the result will be the work of HIS hands!