Genesis 12-15
We discover the foundation of Abraham in these chapters starting in verse 2 with God’s promise to Abram:
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
Imagine having that promise from God! And then imagine having to wait like Abram did! I know my patience is lacking when it comes to waiting. It’s been four years since we decided to tackle our debt. There have been many things that have “upset the apple cart” over this time and we are still struggling to undo the mess. Granted it’s way better, but I just want it done and presently am looking at another 4 to 6 years before things get better. So I can only imagine what Abram is thinking during the decades he was delayed.
I often wonder if the delay was not from disobedience during this period. Verse 13 he tells his wife Sari to claim she was his sister so he would not be killed. Did that cause a delay or not? I often look at his life and wonder if God was using him as an example for patience or if it was an example of not doing thing your way. Either way as we will see Abram had to wait a very long time for a son.
You will notice God keeps reassuring Abram throughout the chapters as with 13:16:
I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.
I often wish God would present my promise before me so clearly. I often think it’s my “destiny” to restore the family “fortune” but at the same time one could argue that’s just me wanting to be “rich!” How many of us would like their future spelled out for them, so it was not only clear but very bright? Although Abram had to wait and often messed things up trying to force the issue, as we will see the promise remained true.
This ties into the promise of eternal life with Jesus. This promise is spelled out clearly in the New Testament and is there for our future. I knew this at 12 yet throughout my life I drifted similar to Abram, yet Abram did things to protect himself I was more destructive to myself and my relationship to God. Abram never lost faith and kept moving forward with great anticipation. I can only say learn from Abram and not follow your ideas of protection, but remain steadfast to God’s. The promise is clear and all we have to do is have faith.