Letting Go: Facing a Hard Challenge

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Friends, family, and acquaintances are important to our lives. We live in a world where we must interact and be interdependent upon others for love, support, and relationship. However, some individuals in our lives may prove to be useful only at certain times in our lives. It does not mean that there is a problem; however, God may want to bring others into our lives for continual growth and success in Him.

Abraham had to learn the reality of this truth. Because God’s promise was upon Sarah and Isaac, he would eventually have to let go of Ishmael that God’s promises to him would be established. However, Abraham protested.

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen 17:18 (KJV)

Abraham loved Ishmael, but God’s covenant would be with Isaac. Abraham pleaded with God for Ishmael. On today, what people are in your life that you know that they will not be able to be with you always? Are you willing to let them go {not because you hate them or any problem exists} for the sake of continual growth and success in Christ?

They may be longtime friends and family members. It does not mean that there is no communication and fellowship, but their influence in your life has to be limited that God may bring to you all that He has for you. This may be a difficult task, but in the end, everyone will prosper. Later on in this story, we discover that God blessed Ishmael, though he had to leave his father.

Humble Yourself: The Key to Success

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Do you know someone who is arrogant and proud? Have seen individuals who are servants of Christ who do not walk in humility? They are not humble before men and even God. Never use your personal relationship with Christ as an excuse to disobey and rebel when it suits you. God resists those who are proud, but those who are humble can expect to receive an infinite supply of His grace.

Though Abraham received the covenant promises of God, he continually humbled himself. After God commanded him to walk upright before Him, Abraham humbles himself and bows before the Lord.

And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations. Gen 17:3-4 (KJV)

How do you respond to God’s word whether by inspiration, revelation, or a sermon? When you hear or read it, do you humble yourself before God? Or, do you justify how you are rather than allow His words to be the governing factor in your life?

Abraham humbled himself and God, once again, established His covenant with him. His humility set him up for a blessing. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, we set the stage for God to do great things that He has purposed for us. On today, take time to examine your humility level before God. If it is low, adjust it and see how it will change your life.

Walking Upright: The Duty of the Christian

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Salvation through Jesus Christ is a great and precious gift. Though it is free, there is a cost involved. As recipients of God’s grace, He requires those that come to Him to live in accordance to His standards. Some view this as legalism or a burden; however, the scriptures are clear that God’s expects His followers to walk upright.

Abraham received a great promise from God. He experienced God’s personal intervention in his life. However, God appeared to Abraham, challenging his lifestyle and conduct as a servant of God.

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. Gen 17:1-2 (KJV)

God appears to Abraham and charges him to walk before Him and be perfect; that is, mature. As Christians, we cannot forget that we have to do that which is right.

Though some challenge this by stating that God is merciful and loving; it is understood that His mercy and love is there to help us as we strive to overcome the lust of the eyes, the lusts of the flesh, and the pride of life. His righteous standards are given to us by His discretion and with His assistance. On today, examine aspects of your life. Be honest with God and with yourself. Make a new commitment to walking upright before Him.

Temporary Fix: Remembering to Expect the Promise

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Down south, many of the older homes do not have central air. In these houses, some use electric fans, which swivel back and forth. In this situation, you feel refreshed only shortly before the heat sets in. If one had central air, the refreshing could be permanent and not temporary. Well, Hagar gave Abraham a son, but it was only a temporary fix, for he was not the child of promise.

And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael. Gen 16:15 (KJV)

Though Abraham rejoiced over Ishmael, the day would come when he would have to let him go. This shows us that though waiting on God is difficult, do not forfeit His eternal and lasting blessing for a temporary fix.

Do not patch up your life with things that will have to be removed eventually. If they are not removed, they will frustrate what God wants to do. Remember, choose the promise of God over the temporary comfort of the present situation.

Faith During the Wait: Maintaining Patience and Hope

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Every promise comes with a wait. The length of the wait varies according to the circumstance and situation. However, it is during the wait that frustration and doubt can surface. Abraham had to wait for the fulfillment of the promise. During that time, he and Sarah made some decisions that had everlasting consequences.

And Sarai Abram's wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. Gen 16:3 (KJV)

The descendants of Abraham and Hagar proved to be hazardous to his descendants by Sarah. Nevertheless, the point here is that we have to continue to have faith, even when the wait is long. In doing so, we will not make decisions that may have lasting effects.

Waiting can sometimes be frustrating. Most people do not like to wait in long lines, wait a long time to receive their meals, or be in a place for too long. However, Christians have to learn to embrace the wait as a companion to the promises of God. If one is not willing to wait, one is not willing to receive the promise. On today, embrace the wait. Though it is difficult at times, the acceptance of the wait sets you up for the reception of the promise.

Experiencing Hardships: God Will See You Through

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Well, what can I say? The unchanging truth is that Christians will experience hardships. Though a substantial part of ministry today emphasizes deliverance from troubles, you cannot experience deliverance except a situation that warrants it arises. After receiving the promise of descendants, God tells Abraham of the hardships that would come upon them.

And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. Gen 15:13-14 (KJV)

God said that it was going to happen and nothing would change it (signified by “of a surety”). Christians have to understand that trials, tests, hardships will come. The Christian life if full of problematic situations (as some may very well know); however, the promise of trials comes with the promise of God’s deliverance.

Abraham’s descendants were destined to go into bondage, but they were also destined to come out by God’s power. On today, though trials and tests are there, understand that they come with an expiration date. You can rejoice that though you may sow in tears presently, you will reap in joy by the power of God.

Keep Hope Alive: God will remember His promise

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Growing up, I remember times when my mother would tell me she was going to do something. Once the promise came, I held on to it. I knew that if she said it, I could trust it because she came through on other promises. Though we may not always get what we want or things may not always go, as we would like for them, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and promises. Abraham receives a staggering promise that he would have a son. His response was not doubt, but faith.

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Gen 15:5-6 (KJV)

Abraham believed in the Lord. The challenge upon Christians is to believe in the Lord through walking by faith daily. On today, what problems face you? What things are you waiting on from the Lord? No matter what they are, continue to believe in God. Renew your faith knowing that whatever God has promised, He is able to perform.