Thankfully, however, he continued his faith journey.
Reflecting on Abraham's story, I'm once again reminded of how easy life looks when examined from the end. In other words, since we know how everything will turn out, we have trouble truly appreciating the stuggle Abraham faced. "Of course God will fulfill his promises", we say to Abraham as he questions God's ability. "Just hang on", we encourage him, "Everything will turn out fine, it's just going to take a few more years."
I think that's what the Holy Spirit is continually whispering in our ears. "Don't give up, don't give in. I know how this is all going to work out and it will be so worth it if you stay on the journey." As we continue our series this summer you will find this to be a common element in everyone's journey. The struggles come because we can't see how things will turn out. That's why living as a Christian requires faith. We can't see the end from the beginning, but we trust the One who can. Faith is living in that trust from day to day.
5 comments:
What I like about Abraham is the fact that from his story we learn that God is not setting in judgement of us when we mess up, but rather waiting to remind us of his promises.
Sometimes God is confusing in the OT, but at least through Abraham's story, God was patient, which gives me hope.
Well said Jeremy.
Here is the thought that rang through my mind this morning: Sarah must have been a looker. I mean at 80, and then again, when pushing 100, Abraham has her lie about who she is because he thinks that the king will kill him. How many kings have been saying, "Let me have that 90 year old grandma... and if you don't, I will kill you.?" Sarah must have been the original Helen of Troy.
I agree with Jeremy's comment with hope. I don't really understand the reasons sometimes for hardship, it always sounds enlighting in retrospect, but while facing it without any knowledge of how to find our way out is sometimes deflating. While looking at the “father of faith” it does bring me hope that faith is defined through our failures. Just as Paul said to the Corinthians, “When I am weak, I am strong.” Despite the strangeness of yesterday and the deflating comments made between members of our group I know that God was, is, and always will be by our side…
It sounds good on paper and in prayer for God to make me humble, but the actual progress of it is extremely difficult. These past few days God has really shown me that pride is a real and true weakness for me. Pray for me brothers that I may continue to become sharpened and humbled by our Abba, Father’s goodness. Pray also for me to let go of controlling every variable and be at peace that everyone has their own opinions.
Also, Byron, please pray for the men’s upcoming prayer retreat. Pray that we each seek God on this trip and a deeper communion with each other. Thanks.
The story tells us that Abraham is faithful to God...he always follow instructions that came from God which shows that Abraham is really a true follower of God and still Abraham awaits nothing or he is not waiting something in exchange just to follow God, he is just doing his mission or work and what God gave to him, God gave him a chance to let anyone know that Abraham is really worthy, we all know that Abraham became the FATHER OF NATIONS, being to be the father of nations tells us that you are worthy that is why you became like that, God did not do it but the faith and trust of Abraham make him worthy by following GOD, he did his best and God do the rest. With these, God wants us to do our best because it is not too late, God will always allow himself to help us, to answer our prayers. With these, we realize that it is not about luck, not about the money, or not even about your popularity that makes us achieve our goal or dream, IT IS YOU having the faith in God and having positive attitudes that leads yourself to become something worth for.
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