Author: Sarah Jefferson

But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?”

Genesis 15:8 (CSB)

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HOW CAN I KNOW?

 

Here, we find Abram, the father of faith, wrestling with a question that often plagues us all: How can I know? How can I know that the promises of God will come to pass in my life? It’s a question rooted in our human nature and in our desire for certainty in the midst of the uncertain.

God, in His infinite wisdom and love, doesn’t rebuke Abram for his question. Instead, He provides a tangible sign of His covenant faithfulness. He instructs Abram to bring specific animals for a sacrifice. Abram obeys, cutting them in two and arranging the halves opposite each other. 

In those times, when a covenant was made, both parties would walk between the slain animals, symbolically showing that if either broke their side of the agreement, the offending party would suffer the same fate as the animals. Today, in a court, people place their hand on a Bible and swear their testimony is true. 

Similarly, when the smoking pot and the flaming torch passed through the animals, God walked through for both of them, showing that the covenant was dependent on God alone. 

When, like Abram, we ask God, “How can I know?” He responds the same way, swearing by Himself. In Isaiah 45, He says, “There is no other God but me, a righteous God and Savior, there is no one except me. Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no other. By myself I have sworn; truth has gone from my mouth, a word that will not be revoked …”

If we believe in God for salvation, can we not also trust His call to walk with Him in the new and unknown? He’s not asking us to have it all figured out. He does. He’s simply asking us, “Do you believe? Will you trust Me?” Friends, this is where the rubber meets the road in our faith walk. Our faith will only grow to the degree that we’re willing to follow. He has sworn by Himself to work all the events of our lives together for our good and His glory. Don’t miss the promised land simply because you don’t have all the answers to your questions. 

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

Genesis 15:6 (CSB)

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TRUE BELIEF

 

We’re four days into Abram’s faith journey. He has been called to leave everything familiar and go. Without any other information, Abram obeys. It’s easy to read these stories and feel that their obedience plays out perfectly, without any doubts. But Abram’s story shows us that even after being called and told who God would be to him and for him, he still has fears.

 

Yesterday, we saw Abram confess those fears to the Lord and even begin to imagine how this would play out in his power. God patiently reminds Abram that it won’t have anything to do with his power but the endless power of His Creator. Abram’s response here is worth sitting with. Scripture says, “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”

 

Webster defines believe as “considering to be true or honest, to accept the word or evidence of.” We toss around this word believe a lot, and I think it’s lost its actual value biblically. For example, we believe diet and exercise benefit our health, yet many don’t live active, healthy lifestyles. We believe our words matter, yet we often fall prey to sharp words and responses. Abram has banked his whole life on this promise. Like a person skydiving believes the parachute will see him safely to the ground, God calls us to believe Him this way. To throw ourselves from the comforts of life into the unknown plans of a faithful God.

 

Brandon Lake writes these lyrics:

I see you, child
Though you can’t see me
And I know your thoughts
Before you even think
I heard every last prayer you prayed
Though I answered all the time
You just didn’t hear my reply
And I know it’s not easy, oh

Don’t you give up on me
Don’t you give up on me
‘Cause the darker the night gets
The brighter the light hits
Don’t you give up on me
Don’t you give up on me
You ain’t seen what I promised
Child, we’re just getting started

 

Friends, I’m not typing this with a full view of how God’s plans for me will play out. But I’m learning that this tension of faith and doubt is a beautiful invitation to lock eyes with Jesus. When we fix our gaze on Him, stare into the pages of Scripture, and lay our fears before Him, He leads us on to a glorious conclusion. 

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

Genesis 15:4-5 (CSB)

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MIND-BLOWING PROMISES

 

Here we see that God responds to Abram’s doubts with a profound promise that transcends human understanding. God tells Abram that Eliezer will not be his heir, but rather a son from his own flesh and blood will inherit his blessings. To illustrate the magnitude of His promise, God leads Abram outside and instructs him to count the stars in the sky, saying, “So shall your offspring be.”

 

Perhaps Abram was the first person to be mind-blown. Can you imagine someone childless into their 70s receiving this news? This passage unveils the extraordinary nature of God’s power and His ability to work beyond our limited comprehension. Like Abram, we often struggle to understand the full extent of God’s plans for our lives. We often question how God will fulfill His promises, especially when our circumstances seem hopeless.

 

Yet, God’s response to Abram reminds us that His promises are not bound by our power. His plans are far greater than we can imagine, and His power knows no bounds. Just as Abram couldn’t begin to imagine how his descendants would outnumber the stars, we will also have times when it’s tough to see and comprehend all God has in store for us.

 

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2 

 

It’s in those moments of doubt and uncertainty, when the pain is too great, or the circumstances are too far gone, that God invites us to look beyond our circumstances and trust in His unfailing character. Lock eyes with Jesus! He who began this work in us will perfect it! 

 

Stop and gaze at the vastness of the stars in the sky and be reminded of God’s greatness and His ability to accomplish the impossible. 

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“But Abram said, ‘Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?’ And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.’”

Genesis 15:2-3 (CSB)

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TRUSTING GOD’S TIMING AND PURPOSES

 

I love that after God speaks into Abram’s fears, he opens up more about his concerns to God. Despite God’s promises of blessing and descendants as numerous as the stars, Abram remains childless. He questions God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”

 

Abram’s words reflect the tension between faith and doubt that often characterizes our journey with God. Like Abram, we often find ourselves grappling with uncertainty about how God will work in our lives and having more questions than answers.

 

Abram’s questions are yours and mine, aren’t they? And when we can’t wrap our minds around it, we often seek solutions within our limited understanding and resources. He suggests that a servant in his household, Eliezer, could become his heir since he has no child of his own. Yet, God’s plans far exceed Abram’s expectations and human limitations.

 

Like Abram, we will struggle to understand God’s timing and plans in our lives. We will face seasons of waiting and uncertainty, wondering what God is doing and if He will fulfill His promises to us. However, Abram reminds us that God can handle our doubts. 

 

Isaiah 55 reminds us, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways, my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

 

In our moments of doubt and questioning, may we find comfort in knowing that God sees the bigger picture. He is not limited by our understanding or circumstances. Instead, He invites us to trust in His promises and to rest in the assurance that His plans for us are good and purposeful.

 

As we walk where He leads, we must hold onto the truth that His timing is perfect, and His promises never fail. Even when we cannot see how He will fulfill His word, we can trust that He is working it all together for our good and His glory.

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.”

Genesis 15:1 (CSB)

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FINDING COURAGE IN GOD’S PROMISES

 

Imagine the scene: Abram is chosen by God for a special purpose and stands at a pivotal moment in his journey of faith. God has promised to make him a great nation, yet there is no baby. Knowing Abram’s feelings of uncertainty, anxiousness, and fear about his reality, God speaks into his doubts. 

 

First, God tells Abram not to fear. Sometimes, God calls us to follow Him into the unknown. There won’t be a glance at the playbook, a list of guarantees, or a pain-to-benefit ratio explanation. Often, the calling leaves us full of uncertainties, fears, and doubts. God understands our human frailties and acknowledges our need for courage and boldness to walk out His calling on our lives. 

 

Next, God declares Himself Abram’s shield. In ancient wartime, a shield was vital for protection in battle, deflecting the arrows and attacks of the enemy. Similarly, God promises to shield us from enemy attacks as we follow His calling on our lives. With God as our shield, we can begin to move confidently, knowing He is our great defender.

 

Finally, God promises Abram a great reward. While his reward would ultimately be fulfilled through the birth of Isaac and the establishment of a great nation, the greatest blessing was the fulfillment of God’s redemption plan for all mankind. 

 

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:11 

 

Regardless of what God calls us to, even though we might be surrounded by a fog of uncertainty, let’s be a people known by our obedience. Our lives are not our own. We were made to display His glory in whatever He calls us to. Don’t miss the beauty of walking with Jesus!

 

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.”

John 13:15 (NLT)

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THE PATH OF HUMBLE OBEDIENCE

 

In John 13, we find Jesus gathered with His disciples on the night before his crucifixion. In a moment of profound intimacy, He washes their feet, a task typically reserved for the lowest servant. 

 

The disciples are astonished. Peter protests, but Jesus replies with a powerful statement that cuts through to the heart of us all, “So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:14-15)

 

I think many of us can get behind the flashy ways to serve. The ones that command attention as we post them on our beautifully curated feeds. But He was calling them—and us—up to a life of humble obedience by serving, even if it means we get our hands dirty. Talk about a record-scratching moment.

 

Dietrich Bonhoeffer said, “Christian love draws no distinction between one enemy and another, except that the more bitter our enemy’s hatred, the greater his need of love.” The only way we can glorify God is by loving Him and doing what He commands. 

 

Do we look at our enemies as those in need of love? What about the couple going through messy things in their marriage? Or the friend whose child has walked away from the faith? What about the friend whose profound loss leaves you speechless? Are we willing to show up and get our hands dirty serving those who have hurt us most so they might catch a glimpse of the hope we have in Jesus?

 

This might feel like it’s stepping all over your feet on a Friday morning. If that’s you, same. But remember, the towel and basin aren’t just symbols; they’re a call to action. Let’s pick them up, kneel before the needs of those around us, and truly follow Jesus’ example. It’s only then that we can ever live sent!

 

Jesus, what a profound example you have left us. Empower us to follow your lead. Put someone in our path to love and serve today, all for our good and your glory.

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

For He knew who would betray Him.

John 13:11 (NLT)

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ONLY FAITHFUL

 

Don’t you find it interesting that in John’s account of the Last Supper, the only two disciples he mentions by name are Judas Iscariot and Peter? Judas is notoriously known for his betrayal of Jesus. Then Peter, when asked, adamantly denied knowing Jesus three times. Jesus, knowing all these things would happen, enters the room and kneels to wash their feet. 

 

Why? Because Jesus is faithful even when we are not. Charles Spurgeon said, “The glory of God’s faithfulness is that no sin of ours has ever made Him unfaithful.”

 

When Peter boldly declared that Jesus is the Messiah in Matthew 16, Jesus told him in verse 18, “On this rock, I will build my church, and gates of Hades will not overpower it.” Peter’s later denials didn’t keep God from accomplishing the work He had started in him. 

 

But there is something we must note. Judas’ betrayal begs us to understand that temptations are a big deal, even as we walk with Jesus. Are we killing the little foxes of sin before they grow into wolves of destruction? Are we engaging in daily confession and repentance of sin? Are we involved in a community of believers that are holding us accountable?

 

When I look at Judas and Peter, I am reminded we have never fully arrived in our walk with Jesus. We will fall short. But take heart, Lamentations 3:22-26 tells us, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” And David declares in Psalm 36:5, “Lord, your faithful love reaches to the heaven, your faithfulness to the clouds.”

 

In a world with temptation on every side, we must be a people who anchor to the only Hope we have in this life—Jesus. Dig into His word and find His promises. Spend time reflecting on His past faithfulness. And pray without ceasing. 

 

Jesus, I thank you that our mistakes do not determine your faithfulness to us. Truly, Your lovingkindness is better than life. Lead us onto level ground and empower us to glorify you in whatever you ordain for us today!  

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

“You will never wash my feet,” Peter said.

John 13:8 (NLT)

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THE GIFT OF WRESTLING

 

The second disciple to enter the story of the Last Supper is Simon Peter. Let’s take a minute to remember Peter. Some of his most well-known appearances in Jesus’ ministry include Jesus walking on water and Peter boldly stepping out with him (Matthew 14). He confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God (Matthew 16). He was also present at the transfiguration (Matthew 17).

 

As the soldiers came to arrest Jesus before the crucifixion, his emotions reigned, and Peter drew a sword and cut off the ear of a soldier. In John 6, when some of His disciples found it hard to follow and accept His teachings, Jesus asked the remaining disciples if they wanted to go away too. And Peter replies so authentically, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” 

 

Peter believed Jesus was who he said He was. No doubt, he was one of the disciples closest to Jesus. Fallible as he was, he was a leader. He often spoke up first, asked all the questions, and imperfectly wrestled out his faith with Jesus. 

 

I resonate deeply with Peter in many ways. When my mother died very unexpectedly, it was another tough loss in my life. Many days, I sat in the dining room digging into God’s Word and wrestling with the tension of grief and hope. One of her dear friends told me, “Sarah, to some, God gives the cocoon of grace. But God has given you the gift of wrestling. My conclusion is that the wrestling that drives us to Jesus is a form of lament, and lament is a sign of deep, strong faith.”

 

T.B. LaBerge once said, “The greatest tragedy in humanity is when we do not wrestle with God when we become so apathetic that we are but a limp rag doll in the hands of a mighty lover who wishes that we fight back; that we embrace Him and choose to find truth.”

 

In all the hard of my life, all the losses and confusion, I am learning Jesus wants us to bring our doubts to Him. He wants us to seek to know Him and gain a heart of wisdom. When the hardest days come, He wants us to cry out for help when all feels lost. Yes, Peter did it imperfectly, but the takeaway is that he did it. There’s beauty in wrestling Jesus to believe, dear friend. Do not miss it!

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into his hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.

John 13:3 (NLT)

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JESUS’ GENTLE INVITATION

 

This Last Supper is so poignant to me. After three years with Jesus, Judas sits down at the Last Supper, and his heart has already been tempted towards betrayal. And this betrayal would set things into motion for Jesus’ crucifixion. 

 

Verse two tells us Jesus knew this, and His next move is unbelievable. “So He got up from supper, laid aside His outer clothing, took a towel, and tied it around Himself. Next, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet and to dry them with the towel tied around Him.” John 13:4-5

 

What a tender, humbling scene that must have been. With the weight of His coming events firmly on His shoulders, Jesus kneels down in love, even for one whose decisions would set into motion such incredible pain and suffering. I can’t help but wonder: Did he linger longer with Judas, wishing he would confess, repent, and turn from the temptation? How was He able to love Judas?

 

Verse three explains it all. “Jesus knew that the Father had given everything into His hands, that he had come from God, and that he was going back to God.” Jesus was surrendered to His Father’s plan. He knew the call on His life was to glorify His Father, who would faithfully equip Him for all He was sent to do. But He also knew who He was, where He had come from, and where He was going. 

 

What about us and those painful areas of our life? Or those hurtful people? What about the situations you poured your heart into that didn’t work out how you thought they would? Jesus is showing us what it looks like to lay down the painful parts of our story at the feet of the Father so our hands can be free to wash feet. 

 

He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28. 

This hard, beautiful work allows us to love best by surrendering most. What a beautiful invitation out of the ordinary into the extraordinary. Jesus, help us not to miss all You’re inviting us into simply because it’s dressed in hard circumstances!

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now He loved them to the very end.

John 13:1 (NLT)

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JESUS READS THE ROOM

 

At this point in His ministry, Jesus had now been with his disciples for three years. These men had three years of following Jesus under their belts, listening to His teachings, witnessing His miracles, and seeing His heart. 

 

The curtain rises in this chapter with John narrating the opening scene of the Passover Supper. “Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and return to His Father. He had loved His disciples during His earthly ministry, and now He loved them to the very end.” Jesus knew the entire reason He came to earth would soon culminate in the greatest suffering known to mankind. 

 

Just before this, Jesus had just endured a discussion-turned-argument between these fellas, where they roped Him in like children do with their parents to ask Him who among them was the greatest. Three years, they walked with Jesus and witnessed all the things, and they asked Him who among them was the greatest. Don’t you kind of want to roll your eyes and beg them to read a room?

 

Jesus didn’t explode because He was stressed and overstimulated, demanding they clear the room so He could just have a moment to get His mind right. He didn’t roll his eyes and spit some clever sarcasm in a belittling, condescending tone. He didn’t turn inward in a silent, passive-aggressive way towards self-preservation, laying down boundaries because they still didn’t get it. No. Jesus read the room and responded with exactly what these imperfect men needed: love. How utterly profound!

 

You see, these disciples that can’t seem to read a room are you and me – called according to His purpose (2 Tim. 1:9), even as unworthy and unqualified as we are. And that purpose? Follow Jesus’ example (1 Peter 2:21-23) to our spouses and kids. To those whose choices profoundly affected us. And that person who bullied us or our children. They’re our co-workers and that person who just cut you off in traffic. 

 

Paul says it best in Romans 2:4, “Do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?”

Friends, when the heaviness of our present circumstances press in, threatening to wreck our hearts and our lives, Jesus shows us we don’t have to respond in our flesh. We can boldly respond with the determination of David in Psalm 63:3: “My lips will glorify you because your faithful love is better than life.” 

 

So, how do we do that? Let’s tackle that tomorrow.

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Sarah Jefferson is married to Curtis and the mother to Grey, Sanders and Collins.  She is a rare Atlanta native, currently living in Acworth. Sarah began her career in public relations in the sports industry. Now, she writes web content for a variety of companies and ministries. When she’s not writing or blogging, you can find her running or hiking the beautiful trails of north Georgia and spending time with her busy family.