Rev. Cyril A. Stevens – Sermon 0185A recorded on June 18, 1980 teaching from Genesis 16 – Disturbing God’s Plan.
Pastor Cyril A. Stevens explores the biblical narrative of Hagar to warn against the dangers of disturbing God’s timetable through human impatience. He argues that Sarah’s decision to use her Egyptian handmaid as a surrogate was a misguided attempt to “help” God fulfill His promise, leading to domestic turmoil, jealousy, and the eventual expulsion of Hagar and her son, Ishmael. Stevens highlights key themes such as the necessity of waiting on divine timing, the friction between cultural customs and spiritual principles, and the grace of God shown to Hagar, who became the first person in scripture to receive a direct angelic ministry. Ultimately, Pastor Stevens uses the story as a cautionary tale, encouraging believers to remain faithful to God’s plan rather than creating “Ishmaels” in their own lives through impulsive, self-directed solutions.