Lessons from Abraham

You've heard the saying (or some version of it):  If you want to make God laugh, make plans.  I was thinking about this when I was reading the passage from Genesis, Chapter 18, about the three messengers of God informing Abraham that he and Sarah would be having a baby in their advanced age.  Apparently, Sarah laughed.

So here's the twist.  God made his plans and man laughed!  Isn't that something!

But when you think about it, that probably happens more than we realize.  God created us in his image and he loves us.  He knows what is best for us.  He's given us all we need, and yet, for some reason, in a sense, we laugh at him, or at the very least, dismiss him or ignore him completely.

We go on our way, seeking materialism, position and power.  Ignoring those we might be able to help, we look out only for ourselves.  Rather than tithe and support the Church so that we can serve others in a variety of ways, we spend our money on expensive lattes and donate a pittance in the Sunday offering, giving what is leftover.  If that pittance is all you have, then, of course, that is fine, but too many of us  focus most of our time, energy and money on recreation and ourselves, rather than lifting up others.

Oh, I know this isn't true for everyone, and I acknowledge it sounds a little pessimistic, but you have to admit it does describe more than a handful of people.  God bless those of you who are pouring your hearts into living a Jesus-centered life.  Hopefully, you will  be an inspiration to others.

But I think most of us can do better.  We really can.

Of course, recreation and coffee are not terrible things.  I'm not saying that at all.  But, if they are higher up in the order of things, we may need to take a second look at our priorities.

So what exactly has God called us to do?  

We really have just one mission.  We need to do our absolute best in loving and looking out for others.  Love them where they are.  In prayer, you will discover how God wants you to respond to his call.  It will look different for everyone.

Perhaps he is calling you to tend to the physical or spiritual needs of someone close to you--or maybe a stranger.  Anxiety seems to be rampant today.  Loneliness and isolation is a real problem.  Despair over the state of our country, political and health-wise, is a great concern.

Naturally, we cannot solve all of these problems, but in prayer, God will show you the potential he sees in you.  He knows the gifts he has given you, and he doesn't expect you to dismiss them.  Each of us, in some small way, can make a difference.

Interestingly, Abraham and Sarah did go on to have a baby in their old age.  It clearly isn't a good idea to "laugh at God's plans," for he sees way beyond what we see. 

Welcome God in.  Sit in the quiet with him and ask him how you can help.  Maybe being a prayer warrior will be your job.  Whatever it is, take it up and do it well.  Rather than holding on to hopelessness, consider how you can make a difference.  Reaching out to others will help you as well.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
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#abraham
#genesis18