Genesis 12:1–4 ‘So Abram went, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him.’ (v4)
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul describes Abraham as the father of all who believe. Certainly these opening verses demonstrate a man prepared to trust in God. But in case we become intimidated by Bible characters and assume that they are on a wholly different planet, it is worth noting a few things about Abram.
The passage in Genesis 11 suggests that Abram travels to Canaan with his father and nephew Lot, and get as far as Haram. So this suggests he does not actually do exactly what he was asked. He leaves his country but takes his people with him. And yet Paul can say he’s the ‘father of all who believe’, and the Hebrew writer describes his faith (Heb. 11).
It is important that we note how kind and gracious God is when we don’t do exactly as He asks. Maybe you have set up a laptop or TV and followed precise instructions, only to make a mistake and have to start all over again. Thankfully God is full of grace when we struggle to obey and, although this is not an excuse for us to be partially obedient in any matter, it is a reminder that our God gives us second and third and umpteenth chances as we follow Him.
Whatever you do, don’t assume that you are in God’s bad books because you have blown it, but see His smile and hear His welcome to follow Him afresh today, knowing that His purposes are good and all that He asks of us is wise.
A Prayer To Make:
‘Thank You, God, that You can take my best intentions and the fact that I am far from perfect and still lead me in good pathways. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Close your eyes and imagine that Jesus is looking at you. Rest for a while until you can imagine His smile of love and how pleased He is with you.
Scripture To Consider:
Josh. 1:7–9; Rom. 4:18–25; Heb. 11:1–12; Jude 20–25
