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Dec 13 05 12:32 PM

The Ishmael Syndrome

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The Ishmael Syndrome
By Brandon Bracey

Genesis 16: 11 " And the Angel of the Lord said to her: " Behold you are with child, And you shall bear a son, You shall call his name Ishmael, Because the Lord has heard your affliction."


Often I have gone through life and found myself a victim of circumstances that I could not control. It seems as if we all have things that happen in our lives where we actually are the victims for real. I know that in my life I would never have chosen to come from a broken home and live in a shelter. Then I was also raised most of my life by my Grandparents. All of this took place and I was just a young boy who was trying to enjoy life. However, I had to suffer the consequences of some choices that were made around me. I did not invite these choices, but I was a part of them. I did not ask for the life I had early in my life, but I got it. But the amazing thing is that all the while God had his hand on my life and if it had not been for the Lord on my side.........Oh I feel like preaching right now!!!

If you look at the story of Ishmael, like many people in the world today he was an innocent victim of scheming and suffered the consequences. Sarah and Abraham had doubted God's promise to provide for them a child in their old age. So they decided to see if they could help God out by using Egyptian servant Hagar as a substitute wife for Abraham. Uh Oh, this smells like trouble already! Eventually God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and Sarah and they had a son. However afterwards Hagar and her son named Ishmael were cruelly drove into the desert by Sarah. Ishmael did not ask for any of this, but he suffered the consequences.

There are many of us like Ishmeal who have come from broken homes where we have had to survive with a single parent. As I mentioned earlier, I know because my parents separated at any early age and it's not easy. Many of us today suffer from the Ishmael Syndrome in which it seems like we were just born to have symptoms that consist of suffering, pain, and heartache. It's almost feels like we have an incurable disease. But I have stopped by with some wonderful news today!

Even though Ishmael went through what he did, God still blessed him! In Genesis 21, Ishmael was dying of thirst in the desert and God "heard the voice of the boy". God promised that Ishmael's descendants would become a great nation. Ishmael had twelve sons and "the Ishmaelites were neighbors of Israel for centuries. Today Arabs still traditionally trace their lineage to Ishmael.

I know it may seem like you are dying in the desert. You may be depressed, broken, and dry about your situation. But just like Ishmael, God will meet you in your thirsty point! God will deliver you in your point of desperation! Just when you thought that you were going to break, God will show up on the scene! I can not speak for anyone else but when I am going through a situation sometimes God will show up in the midnight hour just so I can not take the glory for what's he done! I do not know who I am preaching to online today, but I believe someone needed to hear this!

Just because you have been on welfare,lived in the ghetto, and are from a broken home does not mean that God can not use you! There is no such thing as a perfect family and God can take what many perceive as trash and turn it into treasure! Ishmael's descendants became a great nation and you can be blessed and be a blessing right where you are! The desert does not have to be your final destination! Never give up on your dreams, hopes, and aspirations! Never let your environment, culture, cldonkey, or race determine your destiny! Make up your mind to be the best you can be for the glory of God and then watch God break the Ishmael Syndrome off of your life and skyrocket you from glory to glory! Amen!

Scripture Reference: Genesis 16, 21

Heavenly Father, I am determined not to let anything separate me from your love. I know I was born with a purpose and I want you to get the full glory out of my life. Father you are bigger than my circumstances so I put it all in your hands and trust you to see me through. I love you Father and I give you all the glory, honor, and praise in Jesus name Amen.

If you would like to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior please pray with me:
Lord Jesus, I ask that you would forgive me of all sin and come into my heart. I make you Lord and Savior of my life. Thank you Jesus for saving me. Amen. If you have just prayed this prayer congratulations! You now have a new beginning with Jesus as your Lord and Savior! Please email me at: Brandon_Bracey00@yahoo.com so I can donkeyist you in your new beginning!

Permission To Distribute With Full Recognition Given To Author.





Brandon Bracey Ministries:

Ministry Motto: "Winning The World For Jesus Christ!"

Scriptural Reference: Matthew 28:19,20

Purpose Statement: "To bring people to Jesus and membership in his
family through worship, equip them for ministry, and develop them through discipleship, all while doing service for the glorification of God!"

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BrandonBraceyMinistries

and

Brandon Bracey's Christian Fellowship Network On Ryze!
Started On August 20, 2004!
http://brandonbracey-network.ryze.com

Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, [having] charge at the gates of the house, and ministering to the house: they shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister unto them. Eze 44:11

sent2serve@sister2sisterministries.net