Ishmael versus Isaac

I’m a huge believer in education.  I love to learn.  A degree, I believe legitimizes a person.  It gives someone credibility.So, when God called me to step away from my career and chase after the plan He has for me, I thought a counseling degree, naturally.  My husband has one.  I want to help wives.  Of course, a counseling degree.So I applied to Denver Seminary.  I planned to start in the spring of 2012.  But, between a toddler, a preschooler and a remodel, it was not the right time.  Would it ever be?  Maybe just one class then, just to see.  (I'm beginning to feel like I am writing a poem...)As the days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I realized that this degree in counseling…it’s my idea; not God’s.Think Abraham and Sarah.  Sarah doubts God’s plan and in Genesis chapter 16, Sarah suggests for Abraham to sleep with her servant as a way to build his family.  So Hagar bears Abraham a son and his name is Ishmael.  Fourteen years later, God fulfilled his promise to Abraham and Sarah and Isaac was born.In Kelly Minter’s No Other God’s, she says Ishmael symbolizes our flesh and unbelief in God’s promises.  Doubt, unbelief, fear.  Isaac…well, he is God’s promise fulfilled.  He is trust, faith, belief.As I consider this story and relate it to my life, this is what I have realized:  pursuing a counseling degree at this time would be an Ishmael thing to do.  It would be me doubting God’s plan and in fear, taking over.So, I will wait.  It doesn’t mean I won’t take steps and get my feet wet.  But, I believe that there is an Isaac waiting for me.  And maybe I’m living it today.  Faith, trust, belief.  Trying to cling to it!What about you?  Does this Ishmael concept strike a cord with you when you consider the facets of your life?  Is there anything that you are spinning your wheels trying to accomplish that may not be the best use of your time?