PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Genesis 11-12
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake.” (Genesis 12:13)
Abram still has a hard time trusting God, who said he would bless him.
Abram’s greatest concern is himself and his well-being, not that of his wife.
Not only does Abram say nothing about his wife, but receives gifts in her place.
Pharoah gives him sheep, cattle, donkeys and camels (12:16)… and he accepts them.
I can’t judge Abram for this, I can only imagine the fear he had in that moment.
But God wants Abram and us to trust him (see in the sacrificing of Isaac story).
So what things will I say, or not say (do, or not do) to protect myself?
Am I more motivated by my own well-being – that my neighbours treat me well?
Will I compromise my love for Jesus to protect myself, or be accepted by others?
The Lord has sent us like Abram to bless the nations, to show them the love of Jesus.
He has promised that blessing others is how he blesses us, and spreads the blessing.
If I’m more worried about myself and how I’m treated, I will miss out on this blessing.
Abram was blessed at first for his scheme, but eventually it all fell apart.
We may struggle for doing the Lord’s will, but he will use us to spread his blessing!
PRAYER
Lord, I can relate to fear holding me back, and to missing out your blessing because I was too worried about what others thought. Help me to trust your blessing, and not scheme my own way to that blessing.
When I was finished highschool I wasn’t sure what I should do – I felt I should go to college but what. In that ‘in-between’ year at an event that I participated in, it became clear to me when I had the privilege to take in a presentation by Peter Feddema of CRWRC – then it was clear to me – like a calling – I knew. Within a week I had applied to go to the University of Guelph and enter into the Agricultural degree program – focusing on international development. It is like Abram’s call to leave and go. I too left and went following where God calls me to go. I thank God for the opportunities He has given me and continues to do so! Listening and discerning his leading is the key! I’ve learned to trust not in my own leading but in God. Lord continue to lead me and help me not to be worried about my own well being!.
The people who guilt the tower did their own thing rather than listen to the Lord. Abram did the same in Egypt land. Yet God is the Potter and I am the clay. I need to do His will at all times for He will give what I need if I but do His will and not my own. In my living for Jesus I need to strive to please Him in all I do. His will be done in my life.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me