Category: Digging Deeper

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children…

Genesis 16:1 (ESV)

 

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IMPATIENT MAN MEETS PATIENT GOD

 

We live in an impatient world created by a patient God. Webster’s dictionary defines patient as: “bearing pains for trials calmly or without complaint; not hasty or impetuous; steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity; able or willing to bear.” A cursory glance at the last days of Jesus’ life will give you the perfect picture of patience as described above.

When you read the story of the Jewish people wandering in the desert for 40 years, the one word that often appears is “grumble.” The people were constantly grumbling about their conditions, and patience was a virtue that they had yet to learn. There are many synonyms for the word patient. The ones that stand out have to do with time (enduring, persevering, persistent, untiring), and with attitude (meek, serene, and unruffled). I think we can all safely say that patiently waiting (time) with a calm outlook (attitude) is not one of our strengths (if it is a strength for you, we will all be attending your next seminar on the subject)!

As we pick up the story of Abram and Sarai, it has been ten years since God promised Abram, “I will make of you a great nation,” (Gen 12:2a), and later told him, “‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be’” (Gen 15:5b). Abram is in his mid-eighties, and Sarai is in her mid-seventies. Not exactly prime child-bearing years. Genesis chapter 16 begins with a simple statement of fact that Sarai is barren. The promise has not yet been fulfilled, and Sarai’s patience is wearing thin. As we journey through Genesis 16 this week, we will see how a lack of patience on one side, and an abundance of patience on the other side, plays out for all of humanity.

God does things in His own timing, for His purpose, and for His glory. The prophet Jeremiah reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). Peter told his readers, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Pet 3:9). We should all thank God for that patience!

God has a plan for each of us, fulfilled in His timing. However, our patience is often lacking as we wait for the story to unfold. Paul reminded his readers that, “if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Rom 8:25).

My challenge to each of you this week is to investigate your own life, and strive to wait patiently based on the hope that Paul describes. It will be worth the wait!  

 

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Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.

 

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.

8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.

Genesis 12:8 (ESV)

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EXPRESS YOUR FAITH THROUGH YOUR WORSHIP

 

A church had a man in the choir who couldn’t sing. Others tried to help him find other places of ministry in the church, but he insisted on being in the choir. The choir director became so desperate that he went to the pastor. “Pastor, you have to do something with brother Jones. If you can’t persuade him to leave the choir, then I quit and most of the choir will quit too. Help us!” The pastor went to the man and suggested that he leave the choir. “Why should I leave?” he asked. “Several people have told me you can’t sing,” the pastor replied. “That’s nothing.” he responded.  “Fifty have told me you can’t preach and you are still here.” (Source Unknown).

 

Worship does not depend on your ability to sing well. Worship is how we respond to God’s greatness and how we express our faith in Him. The first evidence of a living faith is a changed life. The second evidence of a living faith is true worship. Twice in this short passage, we are told that Abram built an altar to the LORD. Warren Wiersbe notes that “Wherever Abraham went in the land of Canaan, he was marked by his tent and his altar (Gen. 12:7–8; 13:3–4, 18). The tent marked him as a ‘stranger and pilgrim’ who did not belong to this world (Heb. 11:9–16; 1 Peter 2:11), and the altar marked him as a citizen of heaven who worshiped the true and living God.”

 

Reflection

One of my favorite definitions of worship is “all that I am rightly responding to all that God is.” Romans 12:1 says, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” What are some ways you worship God with your entire life?

 

Prayer/Praise

Thank God for all the mercy and love He has shown to you. Take some time to worship God by singing along with some of your favorite worship songs. Offer God your body to be used by Him however He wants.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.

Genesis 12:8 (ESV)

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EXPRESS YOUR FAITH THROUGH YOUR WITNESS

 

Abram lived out his faith and others could see the impact it made on his daily choices. Abram pitched his tent between Bethel and Ai. The word Bethel means “House of God.” Bethel is the symbol of communion with God. It was at Bethel that the patriarch Jacob would later meet God one lonely night (Gen. 28). The name Ai means “A Heap of Ruins”. Ai is the symbol of the world. It was here that Israel would later learn a valuable lesson about faith, obedience, and the destructive power of sin. As Abraham journeyed, he seemed to be moving away from “A Heap of Ruins” toward the “House of God.” This symbolizes the fact that Abraham was moving away from what he used to be, toward that which God desired for him to be! That’s what happens when a person sets out to walk with the Lord!

 

In 1893, engineer George Ferris built a machine that bears his name-the Ferris wheel. When it was finished, he invited a newspaper reporter to accompany him and his wife for the inaugural ride. It was a windy July day, so a stiff breeze struck the wheel with great force as it slowly began its rotation. Despite the wind, the wheel turned flawlessly. After one revolution, Ferris called for the machine to be stopped so that he, his wife, and the reporter could step out. In braving that one revolution on the windblown Ferris wheel, each occupant demonstrated genuine faith. Mr. Ferris began with the scientific knowledge that the machine would work and that it would be safe. Mrs. Ferris and the reporter believed the machine would work on the basis of what the inventor had said. But only after the ride could it be said of all three that they had personal, experiential faith. (Source unknown).

 

Reflection

God does not intend for you to live your faith in private. Genuine faith shows up in our daily lives and brings light to dark places. Where is your faith most obvious, and where is your faith most hidden?

 

Praise/Prayer

Praise God for the dark places He has placed you so you can be a light for Him. Ask God to show you someone who needs to see and hear about the difference Jesus can make in their life.

 

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

8 From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.

Genesis 12:8 (ESV)

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PLACE YOUR FAITH IN MORE THAN EARTHLY PROSPERITY

 

Imagine that you are out in the middle of a lake and there are two rowboats and you are standing with one foot in each boat. One boat, however, is filled with holes and is sinking fast. It is obvious that unless you do something you will soon be in the lake. The boat with the holes represents ourselves with all of the leaks caused by sin. The boat without holes represents Christ. It should be obvious that with one foot in each boat, we shall end up in the same place that we would have ended up in had we had both feet in the boat marked “self.” The only safe place to be is to have both feet firmly planted in the boat marked “Christ.” (C. Spurgeon)

 

We were reminded on Sunday that “our faith is greater than our square footage.” In Genesis 12:8 the only piece of Promised Land that Abram actually owned was his burial plot. Everything else was in a tent. A tent is not a permanent dwelling. However, Abram’s hope and faith weren’t in temporary material possessions; they were in the Lord. Hebrews 11:10 reminds us Abram  “was looking for that city whose architect and builder is God.”

 

Reflection

What are some ways that living in a tent symbolizes the foolishness of trusting in material things? What are some eternal things that you are investing in and in what ways?

 

Praise/Prayer

Praise God for the eternal hope you have in Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any earthly possessions you may be clinging too tightly to.

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.

8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Hebrews 11:8 (ESV)

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YOUR FAITH REQUIRES TRUST, NOT COMPLETE CLARITY

 

During a baseball game in the summer of 2006, Boston Red Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp made a spectacular play. David Wright of the New York Mets hit a ball toward left-center field. The ball was moving away from Crisp as he raced after it. Just as it began to fall to the ground, Crisp dove headlong toward it. With his body flying through the air, he stretched his gloved hand as far as possible—and caught the ball. Some called it the best catch they had ever seen. What were his thoughts as the ball sliced through the air? Crisp said, “I didn’t think I could get there. I decided to go for it. I took a leap of faith.” (Our Daily Bread)

 

When Abram left his hometown of Ur he took a leap of faith. In Hebrews 11:8, the Bible says, “he left not knowing where he was going.” In Genesis 12:1, God promised to eventually show Abram where He was leading him. But when Abram left he did not have clarity about his final destination. He only had trust that God would not lead him astray. God doesn’t always tell us where He is leading us. He simply wants us to trust and follow Him.

 

Reflection

Can you think of a time when God did not give you clarity but He asked you to trust Him to not lead you astray? Is there something God is asking you to let go of now and trust Him to provide?

 

Prayer

Praise God for His perfect timing. Thank Him for bringing clarity when it’s time. Ask God to help you learn to wait on Him.

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Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.