Counted Worthy

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 5:41-42 NIV

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 

1 Peter 4:12-14 NIV

You Can't but God Can

   Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I had a dream, and no one can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.”

   “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”

Genesis 41:15-16 NIV

This is giving God the glory. If you have ever wondered how to give God the glory, there you have it.

After Pharaoh told Joseph his dreams, Joseph explains the meaning. He didn't put on a show, he didn't make a spectacle of seeking the Lord for the interpretation, he just listened and spoke with the wisdom and authority God had given him. 

Now, we must remember the hardship and discipline the Lord had worked in Joseph's life up to this point. He was thrown in a cistern by his brothers and sold into slavery. As a slave he was falsely accused and further imprisoned. He went from a his father's favorite to servant, to prisoner serving other prisoners. When he was younger he had dreams of his family bowing down to him. In chapter 41 he listens to Pharaoh's dream and bows to God by as the one who gives the dreams, firmly decides the matter, and gives the answers Pharaoh wants to hear. 

I think he became humble. Joseph learned that the gifts and abilities he had were given by God and the wisdom he was given was God working in and through him. Joseph knew exactly who he was before God. Knowing who he was before God enabled him to stand before Pharaoh and boldly speak the truth. We may not be called to speak before Pharaoh, a president or king, but, when we are called upon to speak the wisdom God has given us, we can speak it in humility and confidence, giving God the glory. 

What Do They See?

When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned.

Genesis 39:3-4 NIV

What do people see when they observe when they observe us going about our daily life? If we are just doing what we should be doing as servants of Christ, people should see someone acting righteously, serving others. 

A few years ago I attended a funeral of long time friend of the family. One thing that I was impressed with was that nearly ever person who worked with him said that he would always take the time to help others. No matter what he was doing he would help them with whatever they were dealing with. As a Christian he left a powerful impression on those around him. That is a good legacy.

The Apostle Paul instructed us to, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each of one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free" (Ephesians 6:7-8). Do what you do as if you are working directly for Jesus and trust him to be glorified in your efforts. He will use you in some way. If we concern ourselves with what God sees, he will take care of what others see as we serve him.

Out of the Pit, Into the Pot

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 

Genesis 39:2 NIV

Joseph was thrown into a cistern, sold into slavery and ended up as a slave to the captain of Pharaoh's guard. And the Bible says, "The Lord was with Joseph." I have to tell you, it would be very difficult for me to be thrown into a cistern and sold into slavery, by my brothers, and think that God was with me. 

I think that it is interesting that we are not told what Joseph thought and felt during that whole experience. What we are shown is that the Lord was with him, sovereignly moving, directing Joseph's path, even though it just seemed he was moving from bad to worse. He went from the pit into slavery in Potiphar's house. Yet, the Lord was with Joseph. The Lord is with you.

Maybe you haven't been thrown into a cistern, literally, but, you have been taken out of a good situation and placed into a bad one. So often, in every kind of working environment office politics wreak havoc on peoples lives. It can be very confusing and disheartening. But, we as Christians belong to God and he is Sovereign over all things, even little people trying to build and defend their little kingdoms. God is with you. He will work what he wants in and through your life. He is faithful and will do it. 

A Prayer for You

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

Ephesians 1:15 NIV

Because He Loves

I will sing of your love and justice;

   to you, Lord, I will sing praise.

I will be careful to lead a blameless life—   
when will you come to me? 

I will conduct the affairs of my house 
   with a blameless heart.

Psalms 101:1-2 NIV

I really love the Psalms because they show me someone's interaction with God. It's not so much teaching as a demonstration. In the Psalms we see the inner reaction of someone seeking God. 

David praises God for his love and justice, two attributes of God that to our modern world seem in conflict, but in God they coalesce. David's response was to seek to be blameless. And he asks, "when will you come to me?"  He knew God was Lord over his life and he recognized God's love and justice around him. 

Knowing that God was in his life made David long to be in the Lord's presence. I think this is what we desire when we recognize God's presence in our lives and naturally just want to literally hear his voice, to be in his presence, to literally touch his robe... 

Father, thank you for you love and justice. Help us to be blameless. We long to be in your presence. Reveal yourself to us. Open our eyes to see you in our lives today. Praise you for your love and justice 

His Faithfulness Continues

Psalm 100:4-5

The faithfulness of God continues. It does not stop. Paul teaches us that, "if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself" (II Timothy 2:13). Our salvation, our relationship with God is not based on our faithfulness, it is based on God's faithfulness. 

In a marriage we think of faithfulness as part of the strength our quality of a good marriage. If you know your spouse is faithful, you have a surety that brings strength. God is always faithful. He will never not continue to be faithful. Knowing that God will always be faithful to love you, provide for you, teach you and work all things for the good for you, is a very powerful truth. 

This faithfulness is not based upon our faithfulness but God's. So, what are you facing right now that you need to know that God is faithful to bring you through it? Have you been a little flaky in your faithfulness? Have you sinned? Turn to God and remember his faithfulness is continuing even now.

Do You Feel Like Serving?

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 

1 Peter 4:8-9 NIV

Notice that Peter instructs us to show hospitality without grumbling. He doesn't tell us to wait until we feel like being hospitable, he just says to do it.

To often we think we have to feel like doing something before we do it. This reminds me of when I was a kid and if I got in a fight with someone they would make us shake hands and say we were sorry. You see, it didn't matter if I felt sorry or not, what matters is that I learned that I should be sorry. For the most part, obedience proceeds peace. 

Let's face it, sometimes we don't feel like  being hospitable and loving. Frankly, we're not asked how we feel, we're just told to be loving. Remember, faith is lived out in obedience knowing that God is loving and sovereign and  will work all things out according to his will, for our good.

Fall Forward

   Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

   "You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter. 

   He replied, “I am not.”

John 18:15-17 NIV

Much has been made about the fact that Peter denied Christ three times. But, I am always struck by the little noticed truth that Peter was following Christ when that happened. Yes, he "fell", but, at least he fell forward, following Christ.

Sometimes, despite our best intentions and most honorable desires, we sin. Occasionally, even though we are following Christ, we don't act like it. This is not an excuse or a rationalization of sin. Like I John 1:8-2:2 teaches, sin happens. There is a difference between falling away or, some would say, backsliding, than simply sinning. Falling away is when you cease believing and choose solely to live according to your sinful nature. 

Peter denied that he knew Christ. We know from history that he definitely didn't stop following Christ. I know it's common to say that in John 21 Jesus reinstated Peter, but, where does the Bible say that Christ ever let him go? 

What is the lesson for us? The lesson is that even though we falter, even though we fail, Christ still loves us. Yes, we should confess our sins. Christ is faithful and will forgive us. At times, our actions in effect deny Christ because we definitely are not acting like a Christian.  Christ doesn't reject us. He died for our sins, for that sin. Confess your sin, be forgiven and repent. You may fall, but like Peter, fall forward.

Your Not Lost

Again he asked them, “Who is it you want?”“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.

Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

John 18:7-9 NIV

Think about it, everything is about to go "wrong" from the disciples perspectives. They will think all is lost. Jesus, their leader, who they thought was the Messiah, is about to be condemned and crucified. They will scatter and hide. 

In the middle of being condemned Christ is making sure that he didn't lose even one of those entrusted to him. There are two lessons we can learn from this. One is that Christ is always thinking of us. Like a good shepherd, he is always aware of the needs of the sheep under his care. The second lesson is that even though circumstances may seem out of control and "lost" to us, Christ is still in control. 

Applying these two lessons to us can assure us as we navigate the circumstances that may see like chaos to us. Do you feel a bit lost at the moment? Are things out of your control? If Christ was taking care of his sheep even while being condemned, he will surely care for us now while he sits at the right hand of the Father, ever living to intercede for us. We are not lost. Christ knows right where we are at.

Father, you know where each of us is at. You know the desperation and fear. You know the enemies and the issues. You know. We call on you to provide and protect. Strengthen us to walk through these valleys because you are with us. Thank you for being with us, right where we are at. 

Have The Right Attitude

Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, Lord, you who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two camps. 

Genesis 32:9-10 NIV

Jacob had his issues but one thing he got straight was understanding his place before God. "I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant" was not a flippant repetition of a prayer, it was a verbal acknowledgement of his relationship with God. After all his time with Laban Jacob knows who he is. He knows that without God's kindness and faithfulness he would be lucky to still even have his staff. He knew he was unworthy. 

Now I want you to know I am not talking about some sort of false humility or some kind of twenty-first century self-esteem issue. Knowing who you are is a powerful truth. Knowing your God is sovereign and faithful, is truly powerful. To know that you are unworthy is not a slight on your self-esteem, it actually is an acknowledgement of the kindness and faithfulness of God. I think that is pretty much the "Blessed are the poor in spirit" attitude Christ taught his disciples. 

Know your place. Know your God. Have faith in his kindness and faithfulness he has given you in Christ Jesus. He is faithful and he will fulfill his work in our lives.

Go...I Will Be With You

Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.”

Genesis 31:3 NIV

And he said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’ ”

Genesis 31:12-13 NIV

When I read this about Jacob I realize how great the grace of sovereignty of God are. I mean I really can't say that we should emulate Jacob except that maybe he did work hard.  The Lord tells him to go back home and that he will be with him. It's not tell some time later, at least a season, that Jacob decides it's time to leave. 

The amazing truth is that God is still with Jacob, watching over his life, protecting him and blessing him. Jacob finally obeys, yet still deceives Laban and tries to sort of just sneak out of town. Isn't that how we are sometimes? We try to obey God, but, maybe we should just kind of fly under the radar and hope no one notices us trying to obey God. Or we try to help God out when we suggest someone do something rather than trust God to speak to them. And then we wonder why there is strife. 

Yet, God is sovereign, faithful and loving. He even warned Laban to not say anything to Jacob, good or bad. That's grace. That's God. 

Deceiver vs Deceiver

The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been. But now, when may I do something for my own household?”

Genesis 30:30 NIV

When I was a kid I used to like the Spy vs Spy comics in Mad magazine. Jacob and Laban kind of remind me of that but they're Deceiver vs Deceiver. As my mom would say to me and my brother,  "You deserve each other." Yet, God's promises and his plan will not fail. 

Jacob, despite himself, was part of God's plan to bless the nations. Laban, despite himself, was blessed because of Jacob. Where ever we go, and whatever we do, we should be a blessing. We are not perfect people, but, if we do all things unto the Lord and seek to glorify him I believe we will bless those around us. Like Jacob, our efforts will benefit even the Labans in our lives. 

This is where grace comes in. We are not perfect and we are not dealing with perfect people. God knows we are who we are. That is why he sent his One and Only Son to die for our sins. It's not just that our hard work and integrity will benefit those we work for and with, but also, the light of the grace of God can shine through us to bring salvation to the world. 

So, you might find yourself in a bit of a struggle with a Laban. God is still Sovereign and will work his will. Do what you know is right and trust God to deal with the consequences. He is faithful.

The Truth of the Day: God is Mighty

The King is mighty, he loves justice—

   you have established equity;

in Jacob you have done

   what is just and right.

Psalms 99:4 NIV

Knowing God is really why we were created. Christ told his disciples that eternal life was knowing the only true God and Jesus Christ (John 17:2). Knowing who God is allows us to walk by faith because we know what to expect from God. 

The truth today is that God is mighty. Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they would know God's "incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand..." (Ephesians 1:19-20). What are you going through that you need God's mighty strength? As you pray, as you go through the day, as you face your trails and challenges, remember that God's mighty strength is at work in you.

I Will Not Leave You

What has God promised you? Just like Jacob, our paths may take an unknown route, but, God will not leave us and will fulfill his promises. 

Remember, Jacob didn't leave under the best of circumstances. He left because he and his mother deceived Isaac and he was afraid Esau would kill him. This is where the idea of God having a perfect and a permissive will loses me. Because it seems to me a perfect will would only work with perfect people and no one is perfect. God just works his will. He is Sovereign. He's all powerful and all knowing. He's never surprised or taken off guard. 

The Sketchy Blessing

May God give you heaven’s dew 

   and earth’s richness—

   an abundance of grain and new wine.

Genesis 27:28 NIV

Although the circumstances surrounding the blessing are sketchy to say the least, the blessing still stands. Sometimes God blesses us despite ourselves. Like Jacob, we plot and plan, connive and conspire, and often pay the price for it. Yet, God in his amazing grace blesses us. Remember though, his mercy and kindness should lead us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

Memorialize and Realize

   That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” 

   Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.

Genesis 26:24-25 NIV

God speaks to us in many ways. Every time we read the Bible he is speaking to us. When we listen to a sermon or participate in a Sunday school class he is speaking to us. Often we are storing away the truth in our minds preparing to live by faith in love. Sometimes it really hits us in a special way and we know the truth we are reading or hearing is for us at the moment. 

When the Lord appeared to Isaac he had a very real response. He didn't just think about it. He built an altar and called on the name of the Lord. He memorialized the moment and began to realize the promise. After calling on the Lord he pitched his tent and dug a well. He was afraid (see verse 24) but, after being assured by the Lord that he, the Lord, would be with him, bless him and increase the number of his descendants, Isaac began to realize the promise by acting in faith. 

What do you do when you sense the Lord is speaking to you? I encourage you to memorialize it and then begin to act in faith. If it was a verse that spoke to you, you might write the date next to it. If the Spirit is prompting you to take a step of faith, write it down and then take that step. Where God guides, he provides. Isaac dug the well but God provided the water. Like Isaac, we need to build our altars and dig our wells, memorialize and realize. 

Thank You, Lord, for Your Greatness

Great is the Lord in Zion;

   he is exalted over all the nations. 

Let them praise your great and awesome name—

he is holy.

Psalms 99:2-3 NIV

Lord, you truly are great. Be great in us today. Be exalted in our lives and in your church. May you be praised and your great an awesome name be lifted up today!

Here I Am

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.

Genesis 22:1 NIV

But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.

Genesis 22:11 NIV

This reminds me of an old friend old mine. Whenever we were listening to a message about being willing to go and serve the Lord he would lean over to me and say, "Here I am, Lord, send him." Seriously though, we both were trying to serve God.

Abraham's reply to God was simple. "Here I am." Abraham was willing to obey even when it seemed to go against what he understood to be God's plan. He was also willing to obey when God in the middle of an act of obedience. There's a lot we could meditate on in this passage. I just want to focus on Abraham's attitude expressed in, "Here I am." 

Abraham was God's servant and God's friend. As God's servant he simply was ready and willing, "Here I am." As God's friend he was ready to believe and obey, "Here I am." Christ said, "You are my friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14). So, today as we seek the Lord we do so with a heart that simply says, "Here I am." 

Just Obey

The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me.”

Genesis 22:15-18 NIV

Abraham simply obeyed. We don't read a lot about his feelings or the degree of his faith, just that he obeyed. I can't think of a situation that would induce internal questions than being asked to sacrifice my son. Abraham just obeyed. In the past Abraham had tried to help God out. He'd been through many trials. Now he knew it was just about obedience. His faith was demonstrated by his obedience. 

Our faith is no different than Abraham's in that it is demonstrated by our obedience. Christ didn't say they would know us by our warm fuzzies. He said they would know us by our love. Christ demonstrated his love by his service and his sacrifice. Our faith is not measured by our emotions, rather it is proven by our obedience. 

Let's be real here. Sometimes we just don't understand what God is doing. We don't understand how God will accomplish his will, how he will provide. We get paralyzed because we can see the end from the beginning. Like Abraham, we just need to know God. We need to know that God will provide. Then, we just obey. 

God, Reign in Us Today

Lord, the truth is you reign. Open our eyes to see you enthroned and exalted. Reign in our marriages, families, and jobs. Be glorified in us today. Grant us skill, wisdom and success. Reign in us.

Tell Yourself the Truth, God is Your Fortress and Your Rock.

But the Lord has become my fortress,     
   and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

Psalms 94:22 NIV

David's view of God is so very vivid. So very real. The LORD, in David's experience, was a fortress, and the rock in whom he took refuge. When David was pursued by his enemies and he was feeling anxious, he found strength in the LORD, in remembering who God is. 

I can picture David as a boy, tending the sheep, all alone, with his rod and his staff. I am sure that many a time he felt anxious and afraid. It was during those times that he learned to call on God and trust him to be his fortress and the rock in whom he took refuge. When he sang his psalms he was reminding himself of the truth about the Lord whom he trusted. He learned that God could and would deliver him. 

When David was pursued by his enemies, even his own king whom he served, David remembered that God delivered him from the lion and the bear. He knew God. He told himself the truth about God when he was anxious and afraid. This is the lesson for us today. No matter the enemy, God is your fortress and the rock in whom you take refuge. We need to tell ourselves the truth about God. Say it with me now, "God, you are my fortress, my rock in whom I take refuge." 

Mercy In Judgment

When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”

Genesis 19:16-17 NIV

What can you say about Lot and his wife? They definitely are not an example of what we are supposed to be like. Even though Peter describes him as "a righteous man" (II Peter 2:2), I don't think we are to follow his example of moving close to, then into sin. We should learn what not to do and what to do when confronted with God's mercy. We should not hang around sin and we should flee from sin when the Spirit begins to convict us. 

The parallel to our lives is simple. Lot saw Sodom and thought it looked good. First, he pitched his tents near Sodom (Genesis 13:12). Then, he moved in to Sodom and got caught up in their battles (Genesis 14:12). Finally, he's sitting in the gateway of the city (Genesis 19:2) hanging out with the leaders. When God came down to judge the city for the evil, Lot didn't want to leave. The sinful lifestyle had become part of Lot and his family. Despite that, God mercifully grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and daughters and saved them. Except Lot's wife who looked back. 

The parallel for you and I can be many different areas of sin. Specifically, I want us to think about an area where the Spirit has done something in your life that should alert you. Maybe there was a little warning on your phone, or computer screen. Perhaps it was a look from your spouse. Maybe you're just hanging our with friends and the topics and choices make you wonder if you should be there or do that. Well, that's the Spirit beginning to convict you. 

In the story of Lot I see three levels of mercy and what for us would be the Spirits' work within us. First, when sin is just a temptation, like Sodom, a choice. Lot knew better and so do we. Second, when we move right up into the sin. God may rescue us like he did Lot when Abram fought the kings that took him. Third, we become part of the sin. In each of those the Spirit is convicting us. Finally, there will come a moment when the Spirit grasps our hand and says, "Flee for your life!" Don't think. Just flee.

Are you at one of those moments? Has he rescued you and you went back? Is the Spirit offering you a way out? Take it. 

Too Hard for the Lord?

Genesis 18:13-15

Just a simple question for the day? In regards to your life, is anything too hard for the Lord?

No. 

God Sees Your Misery

Then the angel of the Lord told her, “Go back to your mistress and submit to her.” The angel added, “I will increase your descendants so much that they will be too numerous to count.” The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now pregnant and you will give birth to a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.

Genesis 16:9-11 NIV

First off, I want to point out that Abram and Sarai learned their lesson after this because we don't see them doing it again. One Ishmael was more than enough. Which leads me to the truth I want us to learn and remember today.

Ishmael means God hears. In the middle of this foundational  and important (true) story about Abraham, the father of faith, we are given a nugget concerning God's Sovereignty and grace. So let's take a moment and look at Hagar, the third person in this little triangle. She was Sarai's slave. She didn't have any rights, any power, any say. The minute she thought she did, Sarai let her know she didn't. She ended up in the middle of the desert. She was told by God to go back and submit to Sarai and that she would have a son. He'd be a wild donkey of a man, against everyone and everyone against him. His name, Ishmael, would remind her that God hears and sees her plight. 

Hagar is an interesting demonstration of the Sovereignty of God and the grace of God. Ishmael was the result of Abram and Sarai's lack of faith, which is sin. Hagar, was kind of caught up in it all, not by choice really. Have you ever felt like Hagar? You didn't choose for some things to happen and yet there you are in the middle of it all. God hears your cry and he sees your plight. He will provide for you. He is Sovereign and he is gracious. 

God Created You

“You are worthy, our Lord and God,

   to receive glory and honor and power, 

for  you created all things,

   and by your will they were created 

   and have their being.”

Revelation 4:11 NIV

Remember you are part of all things that God created. 

God created you.

By his will you were created.

And by his will you continue to have your being.

You are not an after thought. You are not an insignificant part of the kingdom of God. If you are still here, God still wants to work in and through your life. Be looking. Be aware. Be ready. Be willing. Be thankful.

Never Fear, the Lord is Near

After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: 
“Do not be afraid, Abram.
   I am your shield,
   your very great reward. ”

Genesis 15:1 NIV

Abram had just fought a battle and refused a reward from the king of Sodom. The LORD assured him with two truths. First, that he was Abram's shield and secondly that he was Abram's reward. The Lord understood Abram's fear. The LORD did chastise him for being afraid. He just assured Abram of his protection and provision. 

As Christians we will fight a lot of battles. Sometimes after a victory we may feel a bit tired and vulnerable. God assures us that he will continue to shield us and he himself will be are very great reward. 

Let's ask a couple of questions. Did God continue to protect Abram? Yes. Did God continue to provide for Abram? Yes. Can we trust God to protect us and provide for us? Yes, yes we can. So, if you've been through a trial or had to make some tough decisions remember that like Abram God will shield you and reward you. 

Thoughts from a men's study: It's Your Call

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 

1 Peter 3:13-16 NIV

Faith and obedience are not conflicting ideals. Choosing to do what is right (even when you don't feel like it) is not outside of faith. Acting in faith is trusting God that he will direct your paths and that he is Sovereign over your actions. Do the right thing and trust God with the results. That's faith. That's obedience.

Trust God With the Left or the Right

So Abram said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left.”

Genesis 13:8-9 NIV

Yes, Abram was the bigger man. Yes, he let Lot choose first. But let's not miss the reason Abram could do that. Abram, soon to be renamed Abraham, believed that God would provide for him wherever he went. 

Think about this: God provided for him and protected him in Egypt. I don't think he was really trusting God when he lied about Sarai, his wife being his sister just to protect his own skin (Genesis 12:10-20). God protected him and provided for him despite Abrahams attempt at dealing with the situation by his own means. He learned that God is Sovereign and able to deal with even Pharaohs. 

What this means for us is that we can trust God to provide for us and even bless us no matter where we are at. We can trust God with the right or the left. Sometimes we find ourselves in situations that may look like we got the desert while the other person got the garden of the Lord. As we see in chapter 14 Lot ends up escaping with the clothes on his back, while the Lord continues to bless Abraham. Lot was looking to the world to fulfill his needs while Abraham was learning to trust in the Lord. He believed that God would take care of him whether he went left or right. 

We should seek God. We should ask the Lord for wisdom and try to make the best decision we can. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." A professor of mine once said that it was sort of like the Lord going before us with a bulldozer. We seek God the best we can and trust him with the results. If we go to the left, he is there. If we go to the right, he is there. 

Where are you? Do you have a choice of going left or right? Did someone else already choose the "good side" and leave you with the not so good option? Remember, the important thing is that you trust God. He will protect you and provide for you, making your paths straight. You can trust him with the left or the right.