Faith — The Call – Friday
TODAY’S VERSE
Genesis 12:8
And there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord. (ESV)
I have 4 children, 3 boys and a girl. They’re actually all young adults now. Even as I write, I’m smiling when I think about how much I love them, and how grateful I am for the joy they bring to my wife, Beth, and me. When I talk to younger parents, I remind them that the repeated requests their kids are making now will one day involve things like cars and careers. That’s the season we’re in. So when my phone rings and I look down and see one of their names, my first thought is always, “I hope they’re ok.” But by the time they say, “Dad?” or, “Hey Dad!” I can generally get a sense of how challenging, or not, the call might be. Seeing their name on my screen when they call, and hearing their voice, never gets old. I only and always want them to know I will answer when they call.
When God finally revealed to Abram where He wanted him to go, and Abram obeyed and allowed God to guide him there, Abram would have had only questions with very few answers. For one, Canaan was occupied by evil and violent people. Next, God had promised to bless Abraham and his offspring after him. The problem: Abram and his wife had battled infertility their entire marriage. So Abram stands at a moment of complete uncertainty. The obstacles just seemed to be mounting. But Scott powerfully pointed out in his message Sunday that obstacles to God keeping His promises are His obstacles, not ours. It’s His job to manage the obstacles. It’s our job to obey and leave the consequences to Him. It’s at this point that most of us would prefer to take back the reins from God in order to try to change our circumstances. What God wants is to change what’s happening in us.
Not knowing what else to do, Abram built an altar, and he called upon the name of the Lord. He worshiped the one, true God. God hears us when we call His name. And His reaction to hearing our voices must somehow be close to my reaction when I hear my kids call, except that God doesn’t have to wonder why we’re calling His name. He knows. And he’s ready to respond. He’s already responded. Just call on His name.
APPLICATION
Believe today that God will do again what He’s done for His kids over and over. He’ll part the seas, calm the storms, and tear down the walls again. Take some time to reflect on when He’s done this for you before. He can do it again.
PRAYER
Even as I say, Father, You are fully present and aware of my life. The things I’ve trusted You with, and the things I’ve tried to manage myself. You’re always ready with open arms to love, forgive, and guide. I can only say, thank You.
