Today’s Reading: Genesis 37,39:1-41:36

Have you ever felt an overwhelming panic that what is happening around you is not the will of God? One of the greatest lessons I have learned is that God has a plan even when the choices of others are outside of God’s will. When I rest in His sovereignty, I learn how to trust Him despite everything that is going on around me.

Joseph’s life was affected time and time again by the sinful decisions of others, but God was NEVER uninvolved. Joseph’s brothers sinned against him out of jealousy when they sold him into captivity, but God did not abandon Joseph.

GOD’S PLAN WAS TO USE IT FOR GOOD

A lot of good came out of the rest of Joseph’s life, even though the trajectory of his life changed when his brothers sold him into slavery. It was not God’s perfect will for Joseph to be sinned against, separated from his family and sold into slavery – yet God’s plan was to use it for good.

The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. – Genesis 39:2-4

It was not God’s perfect will for Potiphar’s wife to lust after Joseph and lie about his integrity, causing Joseph to spend years in prison, but God’s plan was to use it for good.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. – Genesis 39:20b-22

Joseph’s time in prison gave him the opportunity to interpret the dream of the chief cupbearer, who eventually told Pharoah of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. As a result of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dreams, the lives of many were saved from the devastating famine.

GOD IS NEVER WITHOUT A PLAN

I do not believe it is God’s will that anyone should sin or be sinned against, yet God is NEVER without a plan because He loves us and He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). HE MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINGS come out of the sinful actions of man. When we are wronged or sinned against or suffer the consequences of our own sins, God has not abandoned us. Instead he works out a BEAUTIFUL PLAN OF REDEMPTION in the midst of this sinful world. God does not will for us to sin but neither is He surprised by it. He stills plans HOPE for our future.

Is it God’s will that an unmarried woman gets pregnant? No, but God has a plan for that unborn baby and for its parents. At times, that plan involves blessing another family through adoption.

Is it God’s will when a drunk driver kills an innocent bystander? No, but God has a plan to provide healing for those who are left grieving and to use their healing to minister to others who have suffered loss.

Is it God’s will that America should consider it a woman’s right to end the life of her unborn baby? No, but God has a plan to use the sin of abortion to bring many to repentance. God has a plan to use His followers to reach out to those affected by abortion or considering abortion.

Thank you, God, for taking all the details of my life and using them to accomplish something good. Lord, I trust you with the good and the bad, with the joys and the heartaches. I pray for a strong faith and daily reminders that you will never leave or abandon us. Even in the worst of situations, we can trust that you have a plan.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 33-34,36

FORGIVENESS

Then Jacob went on ahead. When he approached his brother, he bowed to the ground seven times before him. Then Esau ran to meet him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. – Genesis 33:3-4

When Jacob cheated Esau out of his father’s blessing of the firstborn, Esau vowed to kill Jacob. Rebekah once again came up with a plan. Jacob was sent with Isaac’s blessing to visit her brother, Laban, with the instructions to stay there until Esau cooled off and to marry one of Laban’s daughters.

Now, years later, Jacob was returning home and Esau was coming out to greet him. Unsure of his brother’s intentions, Jacob fearfully approached Esau. He bowed to the ground seven times, a sign of respect given to a king. Emotions rose as Esau responded to his brother’s humility with grace and forgiveness. Introductions were made and gifts were extended, as they reclaimed their brotherhood.

“What a relief to see your friendly smile. It is like seeing the face of God!” – Genesis 33:10b

REVENGE

Consider this reunion between Jacob and Esau in contrast to the reaction of Jacob’s sons when their sister was wronged. Jacob set up camp with his family outside the town of Shechem. His daughter, Dinah, went to visit some of the young women who lived in the area. The local prince saw Dinah, seized her and raper her. Afterwards, he expressed his love for her and tried hard to win her affection. He begged his father to work it out so that he could marry the daughter of Jacob.

A hand of friendship was extended along with a request for the families to intermarry and live in peace. Jacob’s sons deceived Hamor and his son Shechem. They promised friendship but instead chose vengeance. They murdered all the men in the town, plundered their livestock and possessions, then led their women and children back to their camp as captives. Jacob chastised his sons and pointed out to them the danger they had put their whole family in by carrying out their revenge.

The weight of anger and bitterness is a heavy burden to carry through life. When we insist on justice and take matters into our own hands, we find ourselves choosing sin instead of grace, revenge instead of forgiveness. We hurt ourselves more than we realize as we carry the heaviness of grudges and hard feelings.

When Isaac realized that Jacob had deceived him and wrongfully taken the blessing that he intended to give to Esau, he gave his oldest son the gift of these wise words: “You will live away from the richness of the earth, and away from the dew of the heaven above. You will live by the sword, and you will serve your brother. But when you decide to break free, you will shake his yoke from your neck.” – Genesis 27:39-40

Perhaps Isaac is taking this moment to teach his son that it is up to him to decide how long he will carry the burden of this wrong committed against him. It is his choice whether or not to be weighted with anger or choose the freedom of forgiveness. Choosing hatred would hurt him more than anyone.

Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. – Colossians 3:13 (The Message)

Father God, will you forgive us for holding on to grudges and hanging on to hurt feelings. Will you give us the strength to let go and the wisdom to make peace. Will you give us the courage to have some difficult conversations and the integrity to offer the embrace of forgiveness to those who have wronged us or someone we love. Lord, will you set us free from the burdens we have carried for much too long. May others see the face of God where they once saw bitterness and anger. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 29-32, 35:16-29

After having an incredible spiritual experience at Bethel, Jacob moved his family on toward Ephrath. His beloved Rachel was pregnant for the second time and she went into labor. Her pains were intense and the delivery was very hard. Finally she gave birth to a son and with her final breath named him Benoni, “son of my sorrow”, but Jacob called him Benjamin, “son of my right hand”.

Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life. He first met Rachel when he arrived in Paddan-Aram. She was bringing her father’s flocks to the well and Jacob moved the stone from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s flocks for her. Within a month, Jacob was asking to take her as his wife. He loved her so much that he was willing to work seven years in exchange for his bride. When his uncle deceived him and instead gave him her older sister, Leah, Jacob agreed to another seven years of labor in order to marry Rachel.

Now loving Rachel did not mean that marriage came easy. When she was unable to have children after her sister Leah had already given birth to four sons, Rachel became very jealous and pleaded with Jacob to give her children. Jacob reacted in anger, “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the one who has kept you from having children!” – Genesis 30:2

Now Rachel had a choice. She could draw close to God and trust Him with the desires of her heart, or she could let jealousy and pride guide her actions. Rachel chose the latter. Instead of WAITING FOR GOD’S PLAN IN GOD’S TIME, Rachel began to manipulate her circumstances to get what she wanted. She gave her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob as a wife. Bilhah gave Jacob two sons and Rachel declared, “I have struggled hard with my sister, and I’m winning!” (Gen.30:8)

Apparently two can play at this competitive game because Leah gave her servant to Jacob and added 2 points to her score. Then the sisters began to barter for mandrakes, which were believed to aid in procreation. Again, Rachel was using manipulation and control to get what she wanted instead of going to the Giver of all good gifts. Oh how I wish I could not relate to Rachel here! I wish I never had the tendency to panic and take things into my own hands instead of trusting in God for provision!

Leah gave birth to two more sons and a daughter but Rachel remained barren. God eventually remembered Rachel in spite of her bitter heart and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. “God has removed my disgrace,” she said. And she named him Joseph, for she said, “May the Lord add yet another son to my family.” – Genesis 30:24

Even in the first moments of holding her newborn son, a gift from God, Rachel is already displeased and desiring more from God. Instead of clinging to the God who had answered her prayer and provided her with a son, Rachel chose to worship false gods instead of the one true God.

GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY, in GOD’S TIME – a lesson Rachel never seemed to learn. She gave birth to a second son but was not given the opportunity to raise him. In her struggle to always get more from God, Rachel lost all she had and Jacob lost his first love – Rachel. Jacob has just renewed his covenant relationship with God at Bethel and now he is burying his sweetheart. Jacob built another stone pillar, this time over Rachel’s grave (35:20). He gathered his large family together and continued on. Jacob could have chosen anger and bitterness at the loss of his wife right after recommitting his life to God, but he chose to accept GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY, in GOD’S TIME.

At times I find myself with this expectation that God should answer my prayers because I have served Him well, almost as if I deserve His blessings. I reject that kind of thinking, but sadly I often identify expectations in my heart that need disposed of. I have to let go of my sinful accusations and let God do things HIS WAY in HIS TIME. When I ask God WHY, I hear Him once again reply, “Trust me.”

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.
Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.
Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. – Jeremiah 17:7-8

It’s all yours, Lord. Everything I want to manipulate and control – every situation, every unknown, every relationship, every heartache – it’s all yours. Thank you for the blessings you so generously pour out into my life each day. I praise you for all you allow in my life – good and bad. TEACH ME THROUGH EVERY STRUGGLE and strengthen my faith in you. You are El Shaddai, God Almighty, and I trust you.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 28, 35:1-15, Hosea 12:3-6

I AM YOUR GOD AND I AM WITH YOU!

Genesis 28 tells of an encounter that Jacob had with God – a turning point in his life when God let him know that He was not only the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, He was ALSO the God of Jacob. How wonderful it must have felt for Jacob in that moment when He heard God’s promise:

“I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be a numerous as the dust of the earth!…What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised.” – Genesis 28:13b-15

Jacob set up a pillar, poured oil on it and named it Bethel, making a vow to God just as God had made a vow to Him.

IF YOU ARE WITH ME, THEN I AM WITH YOU!

“If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.” – Genesis 28:20b-22

That day Jacob began a covenant relationship with God. He responded to God’s promise and committed to being present in the relationship. Just as God was reaching out to Him, Jacob was seeking after God. But life gets busy and offers so many distractions.

The next twenty plus years had good times and bad. Jacob now had two wives, two concubines, eleven sons and one daughter. He had acquired much wealth but his household had also acquired pagan idols. Jacob had to seek peace among his wives, peace with his uncle and peace with his brother, Esau. To make things worse, his daughter was raped and his sons responded in vengeance. Life was difficult but God was present.

God called out to Jacob and Jacob RETURNED to Bethel, recognizing that God had faithfully kept His covenant but that Jacob was in need of RENEWING the promise He had made to God. The influence of the world around him had made an impact on Jacob and his family and he needed to once again cleanse himself, returning to the place where God had revealed himself to Jacob. And the God of Jacob’s past faithfully appeared to him again and blessed him, showing Jacob that God was not only the God of yesterday, but the God of today and the God of tomorrow.

Perhaps God is calling us back to the place where we entered into a covenant relationship with Him. This world we live in and the stress of life have had an impact on us and we need to RENEW our promise. Let’s declare that the God of our yesterday is still who we desire to be the Lord of our today and the Keeper of our tomorrows. God is faithful and still desires to produce fruit through our lives.

I AM YOUR GOD AND I AM WITH YOU!
IF YOU ARE WITH ME, THEN I AM WITH YOU!

Lord, I choose to renew our covenant and desire to keep it fresh and growing stronger every day of this new year. I promise to look to you as the God of my past, make you the Lord of my day and trust you to be the Keeper of my tomorrow. Thank you for making your presence known to me this morning. If you are with me, then I am with you. I love you and choose to act out of that love today, depending on you to provide and protect. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 25-27

Twins – there is something exciting about having twins. Twins seem to tweak our curiosity. For Rebekah, it meant calamity. It meant two siblings struggling with each other before they were even born. After struggling with infertility, the Lord heard Isaac’s prayer and blessed Rebekah, saying to her:

“The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” – Genesis 25:23

Sure enough, Jacob was born pursuing his brother’s position as firstborn, with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. As they grew up, their differences increased with Esau becoming a skilled hunter of wild animals and Jacob staying closer to home to tend his father’s tamed flocks.

Showing he had little regard for his birthright and that he was driven more by his carnal desires, Esau traded his birthright when Jacob offered his hungry brother a bowl of stew for the precious inheritance. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left (25:27-34) only to be hungry again in just a few hours. He gave up his blessed position for temporary pleasure.

ESAU’S FEAR: Fear of not getting what he wanted when he wanted it caused Esau to jeopardize all that was rightfully his as the firstborn son.

Isaac also allowed fear to jeopardize God’s blessing. There was a time of famine and Isaac moved his family to Gerar. The Lord told him to stay there, that He would be with Isaac and bless him. Despite this promise, Isaac feared the Philistines would kill him in order to obtain his beautiful wife, so he told everyone that Rebekah was his sister (just like his father had done). Isaac’s fear of death put his wife in danger and God’s blessing in jeopardy. King Abimelech saw Rebekah in Isaac’s arms one day and confronted his lie, declaring protection over this family. And once more, God blessed His people in spite of their great fear and small faith.

ISAAC’S FEAR: Despite the promise of God’s blessing, Isaac foolishly let fear guide his decisions.

Although Rebekah remembered the Lord’s prophecy that her older son would serve her younger son, her fear that Esau would receive the blessing of the firstborn from Isaac caused her to intervene and choose deception instead of faith. Jacob willfully followed Rebekah’s plan of deception, pretending to be Esau and tricking Isaac. When Esau learned of this, he grieved his loss and a hate for his brother began to grow. For his protection, Rebekah sent Jacob away and probably never saw him again.

REBEKAH’S FEAR: Rebekah let her fear get in the way of her faith causing her to lose what she loved most. If she had trusted God’s provision of His promise, she might have grown old watching Jacob receive God’s blessings. But instead of faith she chose fear, using manipulation and deception to pull God’s plan into place.

But God’s plan not God’s way is never God’s will.

What areas of my life am I letting fear control? In what ways is my fear getting in the way of my faith? Is my fear of not getting what I want standing between me and God’s perfect plan for my life?

Lord, teach me to trust in you for every provision. May your promises and blessings on my life pour out directly from your hand. Teach me to let go of my attempts to control and manipulate the circumstances around me. Help me to simply open up my hands to receive what you want in my life. Forgive me for the many times I let fear get in the way of my faith. God, I trust you. You are my Provider and my Protector. In you I place my trust, giving you my family and my future. Amen.

So be strong and courageous, all who put your hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

Today’s Reading: Genesis 24:16-67, Psalm 19

Delayed obedience is disobedience. When asked by Abraham to travel back to his homeland to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s servant did so with an unwavering, obedient heart. He gathered together everything he needed for the journey and then set out to do as he had been told. The servant knew that this was not only in obedience to Abraham, but also to the God of Abraham. He took time to pray for success in carrying out the mission to which he had been called. The servant asked God for clarity and God answered his prayer. He asked that the woman God had chosen would willingly give him a drink and also generously offer to water his camels as well.

Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder…Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

“Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” – Genesis 24:15-19

My study Bible says that ten thirsty camels could drink as much as 250 gallons of water. This generous offer of Rebekah’s showed she was hard-working and hospitable. By remaining a virgin, Rebekah was also AVAILABLE for God’s plan for her life.

The servant waited patiently, watching God be God – taking in the moment when God was answering his prayer and making his journey successful. He then took time to praise God and to give honor to the God who had led him on this journey. Because he obeyed without delay when God called him, this servant had a front row seat to simply watch God be God.

The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” – Genesis 24:26-27

Delayed obedience is disobedience. Rebekah’s family wanted her to wait 10 days before leaving but the servant did not want to delay the completion of his mission. Rebekah recognized the hand of God on her life and willingly went with the servant right away, rather than taking the time to say goodbye to her family as was traditionally allowed.

It was while spending time alone in God’s presence that Isaac looked up and saw Rebekah. I love how our faithful God speaks to us and moves in our lives during our quiet times with Him. I believe there was no doubt in Isaac’s mind and no wavering of Rebekah’s heart that God had chosen to join them together for His purposes and His plan.

Lord, we pause and wait patiently for you. We take time this morning to pray and to praise. We are willing to be used by you today. Lord, prepare and equip us to accomplish your will. Give us wisdom to know where to strategically position ourselves and how to pray specifically. Speak to us and give us an unwavering, obedient heart for you. We love you and we praise you for unfailing love and faithfulness towards us each day. You are the God who provides and we look forward to watching you simply be God today. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 23 – 24:15, Psalm 17

What if we were able to simply watch God be God today? What if we entered into our day WILLING, PREPARED, EQUIPPED and STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED to allow God to use us for His purposes and His plan? I wonder what kind of success we would experience if we took time to pray specifically for what is ahead. As we continue our study of Abraham, let’s consider what God can do when we enter our day with intentionality and the heart of a servant.

Sarah died at age 127. Abraham bought a plot of land surrounding a cave so that he could have a permanent burial place for his family. He, too, was getting up in age and it was time for him to find a wife for Isaac. He did not want Isaac to marry a local Canaanite woman, so he asked his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, to travel back to his homeland to find Isaac a wife.

When asked to perform this important task for his master, Abraham’s servant was WILLING, he was PREPARED and he left EQUIPPED to do what he had been asked to do. Next he STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED himself. He was there to find a young woman, so he went to the place where the women were known to go each day and draw water for their families. Then he PRAYED to God for success.

Abraham’s servant was willing, prepared, equipped, strategically positioned and, most of all, he prayed to God for success in doing what he had been called upon to do.

“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. See, I am standing here beside the spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” – Genesis 24:12-14

Abraham’s servant had been entrusted with a great responsibility. When it came time for him to carry out Abraham’s request, he asked God to be the one to give him success. His heart was genuine. He did not want success for his own merit but out of love for His master. And the Spirit compelled him to pray specifically.

Before he had finished praying…
BEFORE HE HAD EVEN FINISHED PRAYING…
Don’t miss this!
Before the words were completely out of his mouth, God specifically answered his prayer!

Lord, we come to you this morning with willing hearts. We ask that you prepare us and equip us for what you are calling us to do. Give us wisdom of where you would like to strategically position us today, whether that is in a place, in a moment or in a person’s life. Father God, we pray for success today – not success as the world defines it, but success in doing exactly what you want us to do today. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. We love you, Lord. Amen.

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. – Psalm 17:6

Today’s Reading: Genesis 22, Psalm 65

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

Abraham understood just how hard a task this is. But Abraham would also understand how it is the same God who blesses us with children in the first place who asks us to trust Him with what comes next – to do anything God would ask us to do with the blessings He has provided for us.

“Take your son, your only son – yes, Isaac, whom you love so much – and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.” The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. – Genesis 22:2-3

God promised Abraham that he would have countless descendants. Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. I would have reacted with confusion and a lot of emotion, but that is not how Abraham displayed his faith. He trusted God to provide and faithfully, without hesitation, walked up the mountain with his greatest possession – his son.

Abraham arrived at his destination, but there was still no provision. He built the altar and placed the wood on top, but there was still no lamb for the sacrifice. Abraham lifted up his son and tied him to the wood. I imagine he looked around to see if God had come through for him. Still no sheep within sight. Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. It was at that moment that he heard the voice of an angel calling him.

“Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” – Genesis 22:12-14

The Lord provided. These words hold such power over our current situations. To know with confidence that God keeps His promises, and to know that He provides for the fulfillment of those promises – this is the knowledge that keeps us going when it seems like life is moving too fast.

I DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE ME FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO ME.

I can trust God with my marriage, my family, my job, my money, my health, my friends, my future. God sees our situation and hears our cries. Do not be afraid! God will provide.

Here I am, Lord. Show me this morning what I am clinging to that has never been mine to begin with. Remind me of your provisions and give me the strength to trust you with what comes next. I thank you for the abundant blessings you so generously extend to me every day. I place EVERYTHING on the altar and I choose to listen to your voice. Yahweh-Yireh – the Lord will provide.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 21, Psalm 147

The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would. – Genesis 21:1-2

What a great reminder to start off our time in God’s word! God will do exactly as He promises at the exact time He said He would do it. He is faithful and He can be trusted. This was also confirmed to Hagar and Abraham in today’s passage.

Hagar foolishly made fun of Sarah’s son, Isaac, and in response Sarah demanded Hagar and her son, Ishmael, be sent away. Abraham loved Ishmael but obeyed when God told him to do as Sarah had asked. Hagar wandered aimlessly in the wilderness, soon running out of the food and water Abraham had given them. She laid her son under the shade of a bush and then walked away, unable to watch him die.

“Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. – Genesis 21:17b-20a

WE DO NOT NEED TO PROTECT WHAT GOD GAVE US FROM THE GOD WHO GAVE IT TO US.

God reminds me of this truth often when it comes to my family. In fact, today’s passage of scripture is a great reminder of how God fulfilled a promise to me 21 years ago and continues to faithfully provide and protect.

In 1996 after three miscarriages and a hopeless diagnosis from a doctor, I received a promise from God that I would have a baby in about a year. Just as He promised, Elizabeth Kathryn was born 12 months later. My faith grew tremendously as I experienced firsthand the fulfillment of a specific promise from God.

As part of that promise, God revealed that my child would have a heart for Him. Libby has a very special relationship with God and He is preparing her for the ministry to which He is calling her. As He prepares her, I must let go and trust Him. I must remind myself that she is His and I do not need to protect her from His perfect plan for her life. So every time she gets another stamp in her passport, I thank God for the opportunities He is giving her and for his faithful protection over her.

There is joy in watching God’s plan for our children roll out but it takes courage to daily place them in God’s hands. No matter how excited we are about what God has for our children, no matter how long we have planned for each next step, no matter how much we have prepared for this moment – there is nothing easy about letting go of our children and trusting God with what comes next. As parents we must daily place these precious gifts from God back into the hands of the God who provides.

He counts the stars and calls them all by name. How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension…The Lord’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:4-5,11

Today’s Reading: Genesis 20, Psalm 15 & 43

Who may worship you in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. – Psalm 15:1-2

In this next chapter of Genesis, we find Abraham repeating a mistake he made in chapter 12 when he and Sarah entered Egypt. Instead of introducing Sarah as his wife, he introduced her as his sister. He did this out of fear for his own life. His lack of trust that God would protect them in this new home of Gerar caused him to put his beautiful wife in danger in order to spare himself.

EXPECTING THE WORST

Because of the reputation of King Abimelech and the people of Gerar, Abraham expected the worst when he arrived in their country as a foreigner. He assumed that the king would find Sarah so beautiful that he would be willing to kill Abraham in order to have her for himself. Abraham expected King Abimelech to sin against him but his response in fact caused him to sin against the king. He deceived the king with a half-truth instead of choosing integrity in the midst of a risky situation.

So who suffered when Abraham chose to be less than honest? The king did find Sarah to be beautiful and had her brought to his palace. Imagine how scared Sarah must have felt as she was most likely placed in the king’s haram to prepare her for her first encounter with the king. She needed Abraham to be her protector and instead he was the one placing her in harm’s way.

Abraham’s sin of dishonesty placed King Abimelech and his whole kingdom in a dangerous situation. He set them up to sin. Scripture says they were terrified when they realized that Sarah was a married woman, as well as being plagued with infertility. The king’s response to Abraham says it all:

“What crime have I committed that deserves treatment like this, making me and my kingdom guilty of this great sin? No one should ever do what you have done. Whatever possessed you to do such a thing?” – Genesis 20:9b-10

How often do we expect the worst from others? In what ways are we setting others up to fail when we continually assume they will make bad decisions? Abraham could have been a powerful witness of what it looks like to be a follower of Jehovah, but was instead seen as selfish and cruel. Where was Abraham’s faith?

EXPECTING THE LEAST

Not only was Abraham expecting the worst from unbelievers, he was expecting the least from his holy God. God had promised protection to Abraham and had clearly painted a picture of the blessings He planned to bestow on him – descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the beach. Instead of trusting in the God who loves to give good gifts to His children, Abraham tried to orchestrate his circumstances in order to provide his own protection.

Lord, teach us how to trust in you in all situations. Help us to be a light to those around us as we extend both grace and truth to them. May our actions be a powerful witness to what you are capable of as we place our faith solely in you. Thank you for being a generous God who watches over us and forgives us. Give us eyes to see others as you see them today. Amen.

Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. – Psalm 43:3a