Devotion: The Story – Abraham

The focus for this week is the story of Abraham and the building of a nation.

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I suggest starting with reading The Story, chapter 2. If you need a book, they are available at church. If you weren’t able to be in church on Sunday, we covered a lot in the sermon (see “References” below for links to the audio files).

As I’ve been reading about Abraham, I found myself dwelling on two questions: (1) What’s impossible when God is on your side? and (2) Why not us?

A few years ago, I saw the movie “Facing the Giants” for the first time. This movie is about a football team and their coach who all have obstacles to overcome. Some obstacles are about their game, families, relationships, and priorities. The coach digs deep into his faith and claims the question: “What’s impossible when God is on your side?” We see through the story of Abraham that nothing, not even Sarah’s barrenness or their advanced age, made it impossible for God to fulfill His promise to make Abraham a great nation.

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About two weeks ago, I was doing my morning devotions and got thinking about the many different kinds of churches – all different sizes and personalities. Some are overflowing with people and programs and money. Many are struggling to get by. I don’t think all churches are called to be “mega-churches”, but I also don’t believe churches are called to be so focused on their budgets and attendance/participation numbers that we end up losing site of the gospel and the promises of God. Churches and people tend to hold themselves back … why? I wrote my reflections here, if you’d like to take a look. So, when I was walking with my family in Old Town Alexandria and came across a sign that said “Why not?”, I had to take a picture of it. It is now the wallpaper on my phone and iPad. “Yeah … why not us?” Why should we focus on merely surviving instead of focusing on thriving?

Simply changing the question can change the way we see our lives. And if we change the way we see our lives, our lives can be changed. So, what’s impossible when God is on your side? Why not us?

Personal Reflections

God calls each of His children at various times, to follow Him in ways that are risky and demand faith. Look at your life and reflect honestly on these scenarios:

  • When was a time God helped me to step out in faith, but I missed the opportunity? (Confess this to God and receive His grace to let it go.)
  • When was a time God invited me to take a bold step of faith and I followed with confidence? (Thank God for carrying you through that time.)
  • Ask God to give you a sense of where He might be leading you in the future. Commit to follow Him, no matter what anyone else might say or think.

Personal Action

Abraham took what was most precious to him and surrendered it to God. He would not hold back even his own son. Make a list of five to ten things that mean a great deal to you. One by one, offer them to God. If it is a person, surrender that loved one to The Lord. If it is a material thing, let God know that He has full access to it. If it is a talent or ability, tell God you will use it for Him. Take everything and freely offer it back to the One who gave you all you have.

References

prjeffwilson

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