By now, I'm sure most of you have a general idea of the flow of this blog. I typically start by talking about olympic style weightlifting, or CrossFit, then transition into something spiritual that has been on my mind or that the Lord has been teaching me, then move into how that applies to our daily lives. Today, as much as I tried, I just didn't have anything to talk about when it comes to fitness, but much to say in regards to the life that Christ calls us to live.
The book of Genesis is filled with stories of how different men related to God. Some were faithful, others were evil, some found favor, while others found wrath. One such man was Abraham, the forefather of the nation of Israel. I will attempt to be brief, but a little background story is needed for context.
In chapter 11 of Genesis, we see men's desire for security ("let us build a city... lest we be dispersed" (11:4)) and praise ("let us build a tower with its tops in the heavens... that we might make a name for ourselves" (11:4)) lead to their demise when they build the Tower of Babel. Laid across this backdrop, Abram (later to be renamed Abraham) enters the picture in chapter 12. The Lord calls him to leave behind all that makes him secure, saying, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house..." (12:1). He goes on to promise Abram that he will "bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing... and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (12:2-3).
Abram trusted the Lord, and had faith that he would deliver on his promise, even if it forced him to be uncomfortable. He left his homeland in search of a new home. Long story short, his nephew Lot was taken captive by an alliance of four kings who invade the Jordan Valley. When Abram got word of this, he marshaled a small force and went to battle against the kings, setting the captives free. Proving his military prowess, Abram could have gone on to conquer lands of his own, securing possessions, servants, and power. The possibility must have seemed tempting, especially when in chapter 14 the king of Sodom offered him to "take all the goods for yourself" (v. 21). Rather than succumb to the fleeting pleasures of the world, Abram denied himself of man's praise, choosing instead to wait on the promised reward from the Lord. "
But Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'..." (13:22-23)
His faith was rewarded, and in chapter 15 the Lord reaffirms his promise to Abram, saying, "Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great" (15:1). By rejecting the use of human wealth to achieve greatness, Abram demonstrated his willingness to wait for God to provide. Faith in God was something everyone in the Bible was expected to exercise. It entails trust in or confident reliance on God, based on the truthfulness of his words, and it will lead to obeying his commands.
As I reflected on this story, I couldn't help but think how difficult it can be to trust in and wait on the Lord sometimes. We want a sign, we want him to just come out and speak to us, but often times it just doesn't work like that. I suppose that's the whole point of faith- "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Faith often requires us to be uncomfortable- to step outside of our comfort zone like Abram did when he left his homeland; to not seek man's praise, but the Lord's like Abram did when he refused to conquer other lands; to trust that when the Lord says he will do something, he will do it.
It would have been easy for Abram to not exhibit faith, and to do things on his own, to desire his own glory, to seek his own security. It would be just as easy for us to do the same; to not wait on the Lord when searching for a husband/wife, but just find someone who is pretty; to not give back to the Lord when finances get tight, but instead hoard all of your resources; to not trust him when he says that he is after our joy, and that his rules are for our good and his glory, but instead to seek after the fleeting pleasures of this world- sex, wine, power, money, fame. Faith requires much of us- trust, patience, steadfastness. But it is worth it, brothers. There is much reward for those who wait on the Lord.
Here are a few promises of the Lord that we are to claim, hope in, and wait for:
Matthew 11:28-29
Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Isaiah 40:29-31
He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
Philippians 4:19
And the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which has been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 1:33
But all who listen to me will live in peace,
untroubled by fear or harm
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be silent.
John 14:27
I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
Romans 10:9
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord ,and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Blessings.
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