The nation of Egypt had grown very powerful because of the hand of God on Joseph’s life, yet they were still a self-seeking, sinful people and oppressed God’s children. A new king was now in leadership and he was intimidated by the size of Joseph’s growing family – the Israelites. He created a plan to keep them from growing even more. He made them slaves and appointed brutal slave drivers over them, assigning them with crushing labor. The more he oppressed God’s people, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread. Life was bitter for the Israelites as they were worked without mercy and under the pressure of ruthless demands (Exodus 1:11-14).

Pharoah gave an order to the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn boy, only letting the girls live. But the midwives feared God and refused the King’s orders. So Pharoah ordered all the Egyptians to kill every newborn Hebrew boy (1:22). Imagine the terror and grief of God’s people as their babies were yanked from their arms and cast into the Nile River.

But God is never caught unaware or without a plan. God raised up a leader from one of those baby boys to rescue his people. A married couple from the tribe of Levi gave birth to a son and hid him for three months. When they could no longer hide him, they placed him in a basket and laid it among the reeds of the Nile River, with the baby’s sister watching close by. Pharoah’s daughter found the baby and claimed it as her own. Because God is generous, He even worked out a way for the baby’s mother to take him back home and nurse him until he was old enough to move into the palace and be raised by the princess, who named him Moses (2:1-10).

Although Moses was adopted into this royal family, he never lost his connection with the Hebrew people. He saw how hard they were forced to work and came to their defense, killing an Egyptian who was beating one of the Hebrew slaves. When Pharoah heard of this, he tried to kill him so Moses fled Egypt and went to live in the land of Midian (2:11-15). There God provided him with a wife, the daughter of the Midian priest, Jethro.

While tending Jethro’s flocks one day on Mount Sinai, the mountain of God, Moses came across a blazing fire in the middle of a bush. The bush was engulfed in flames but was not consumed by the fire. As Moses stepped forward to get a closer look, he heard from God.

“I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers. Yes, I am aware of their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey…Now go, for I am sending you to Pharoah. You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.” – Exodus 3:7-10

Again, God is never caught unaware or without a plan. He knows how His people suffer and He hears their cries, responding with His perfect plan. Moses had the privilege to be a part of this plan – to have a front row seat to the mighty hand of God at work. But Moses responded in fear and doubt.

God said “Go” and Moses responded “Who am I?” God made it clear – it isn’t about who you are but about who I am and “I Am Who I Am” (3:14). Moses protested – What should I say? God responded – “Say this…” Moses protested again with the “what if” response. God pointed out the staff in Moses hand and told him to throw it down to the ground. It turned into a snake. God told him to pick up the snake by the tail and when he obeyed, the snake turned back into the staff. God was showing Moses how he would perform all kinds of miracles to show Himself to both Pharoah and the Israelites.

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” – Exodus 4:11-12

God is never without a plan and that plan often involved us. He calls us to do something and He desires obedience and faith. When we say – Who am I? What can I do? God says – It’s not about you, it’s about me and “I Am Who I Am.” When we ask how, God says – take what I have already placed in your hand and let go of it. I will take it from there. I will tell you what to do and I will give you the words to say.

Many of us are called by God to rescue others who are suffering. We have a message to give those who are hurting – God hears, He is concerned and He has a plan to rescue them. Let’s listen closely to God today as we make ourselves available to be used by Him in the lives of others. Let’s respond in obedience and faith instead of fear and doubt. Let others know that God has seen, He has heard, He is concerned and He has come down to rescue them!!!

God’s will vs. God’s plan

This morning, I read Genesis 37-50 – the story of Joseph’s life from start to finish. Joseph’s life was affected time and time again by the sinful decisions of others, but never was God uninvolved. Joseph’s brothers sinned against him out of jealousy when they sold him into captivity, but God did not abandon Joseph.

– It wasn’t God’s perfect will for Joseph to be sinned against, separated from his family, and sold into slavery – yet God’s plan was to use it for good.
The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 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 39:2-4

– It wasn’t God’s perfect will for Potiphar’s wife to lust after Joseph and lie about his integrity, causing Joseph to spend years in prison, but God’s plan was to use it for good.

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. – Genesis 39:20b-22

It was also the result of Joseph’s time in prison that he interpreted the dream of the chief cupbearer, who told Pharoah of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. As a result of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dreams, the lives of many were saved from the devastating famine.

Joseph speaks to this after his father’s death, when his brothers threw themselves down in repentance before him saying, “We are your slaves.”

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. – Genesis 50:19-20

This may be where some of us disagree theologically but allow me to share where I stand. I do not believe it is God’s will that anyone should sin or be sinned against, yet God is never without a plan because He loves us and He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). He makes beautiful things come out of the sinful actions of man. When we are wronged or sinned against or suffer the consequences of our own sins, God has not abandoned us nor does He plan to. Instead he works out this beautiful plan of redemption in the midst of this sinful world. God does not will for us to sin but neither is He surprised by it. He stills plans HOPE for our future.

Is it God’s will that an unmarried woman gets pregnant? No, but God has a plan for that unborn baby and for its parents. Sometimes that plan involves blessing a couple struggling with infertility through adoption.

Is it God’s will that a man should leave his wife or that a wife should leave her husband? No, but God has a plan to bring the wayward spouse to repentance and He has a plan to bless the life of the one left to suffer the consequences of their spouse’s sin.

Is it God’s will when a drunk driver kills an innocent bystander? No, but God has a plan to provide healing for those who are left grieving and to use their healing to minister to others who have suffered loss.

Is it God’s will that America should consider it a woman’s right to end the life of her unborn baby? No, but God has a plan to use the sin of abortion to bring many to repentance. God has a plan to use individuals to reach out to those affected by abortion or considering abortion.

I love how the message parallels the NIV here: Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid. Do I act for God? Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now – life for many people.

Do I act for God? When I am sinned against or suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin, is it for me to refuse to forgive them? Do I act for God? Is it my right to question or be angry with God that He did not intervene and prevent the hurt? Do I act for God? God never leaves us or abandons us. We can trust in the God of this promise:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

God confirmed his promise again to Jacob at Bethel – that He would bless Jacob with many descendants and give the land he once gave to Abraham and Isaac to Jacob and his descendants.

Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place where God had spoken to him. Then he poured wine over it as an offering to God and anointed the pillar with olive oil. And Jacob named the place Bethel (which means “house of God”), because God had spoken to him there. – Genesis 35:14-15

The very next thing the scripture tells us is that Jacob left Bethel and moved his family on toward Ephrath. His beloved Rachel was pregnant for the second time and she went into labor. Her pains were intense and the delivery was very hard. Finally she gave birth to a son and, with her final breath, named named him Benoni (which means “sons of my right hand”).

Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life. He met her when he arrived in Paddan-Aram. She was bringing her father’s flocks to the well and Jacob moved the stone from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s flocks for her. Within a month, Jacob was in love with Rachel and asking her father, Laban, to take her as his wife. He loved her so much that he was willing to work seven years in exchange for his bride. When his uncle deceived him and gave him her older sister, Leah, instead, Jacob agreed to another seven years of labor in order to marry Rachel.

Now loving Rachel did not mean that marriage came easy. When she was unable to have children and Leah had already given birth to four sons, Rachel became very jealous and pleaded with Jacob to give her children.

Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the one who has kept you from having children!” – Genesis 30:2

Now Rachel had a choice. She could draw close to God and trust Him with the desires of her heart, or she could let jealousy and pride guide her actions. Rachel chose the latter. Instead of waiting for God’s plan in God’s time, Rachel began to manipulate her circumstances to get what she wanted. She gave her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob as a wife. Bilhah gave Jacob two sons and Rachel declared, “I have struggled hard with my sister, and I’m winning!” (Gen.30:8)

Apparently two can play at this competitive game because Leah gave her servant to Jacob and added 2 points to her score. Then the sisters began to barter for mandrakes, which were believed to aid in procreation. Again, Rachel was using manipulation and control to get what she wanted instead of going to the Giver of all good gifts. Oh how I wish I could not relate to Rachel here! I wish I never had the tendency to panic and take things into my own hands instead of trusting in God for every provision!

Leah gave birth to two more sons and a daughter but Rachel remained barren. God eventually remembered Rachel in spite of her bitter heart and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son.

“God has removed my disgrace,” she said. And she named him Joseph, for she said, “May the Lord add yet another son to my family.” – Genesis 30:24

Even in the first moments of holding her newborn son, a gift from God, Rachel is already displeased and desiring more from God. Instead of clinging to the God who provides, Rachel stole the household gods from her father and hid them, choosing to worship false gods instead of the one true God.

God’s will, God’s way, in God’s time – a lesson Rachel never seemed to learn. She gave birth to a second son but was not given the opportunity to raise him. In her struggle to always get more from God, Rachel lost all she had and Jacob lost his first love, Rachel.

Jacob has just renewed his covenant relationship with God at Bethel and now he is burying his sweetheart. Jacob built another stone pillar, this time over Rachel’s grave (35:20). He gathered his large family together and continued on. Jacob could have chosen anger and bitterness at the loss of his wife right after recommitting his life to God, but he chose to accept God’s will, God’s way, in God’s time.

I sometimes find myself with a “you owe me, God” attitude. I know it is wrong and reject that kind of thinking but then later identify expectations in my heart that need disposed of. For example, two and a half years ago we left our home in obedience to God’s call on our life and we still have not sold our house. I find myself questioning why God blesses some people with a quick sale yet our house remains. Almost daily I have to let go of my sinful accusations and let God do things His way in His time. The same struggle remains when I hear of the pastor who dies in a motorcycle accident or the Christian friend who battles cancer. I find myself asking God “why” and hearing Him once again reply, “Trust me.”

It’s all yours, Lord. Everything I want to manipulate and control – every situation, every unknown, every relationship, every heartache – it’s all yours. Thank you for the blessings you so generously pour out into my life each day. I praise you for all you allow in my life – good and bad. Teach me through every struggle and strengthen my faith in you. I love you so much, El Shaddai – God Almighty! Amen.

Genesis 28 tells of an encounter that Jacob had with God – a turning point in his life when God let him know that He was not only the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac, He was also the God of Jacob. How wonderful it must have felt for Jacob in that moment when He heard God’s promise:

“I am the LORD, the God of your grandfather Abraham, and the God of your father, Isaac. The ground you are lying on belongs to you. I am giving it to you and your descendants. Your descendants will be a numerous as the dust of the earth! They will spread out in all directions – to the west and the east, to the north and the south. And all the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your descendants. What’s more, I am with you, and I will protect you wherever you go. One day I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have finished giving you everything I have promised.” – Genesis 28:13b-15

Jacob set up a pillar, poured oil on it and named it Bethel, making a vow to God just as God had made a vow to Him – if you are with me then I am with you:

“If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if he will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God. And this memorial pillar I have set up will become a place for worshiping God, and I will present to God a tenth of everything he gives me.” – Genesis 28:20b-22

That day Jacob began a covenant relationship with God – a covenant he would years later return to and renew. The next twenty plus years had good times and bad. Jacob now had two wives, two concubines, eleven sons and one daughter. He had acquired much wealth but his household had also acquired pagan idols. Jacob had to seek peace among his wives, peace with his uncle and peace with his brother, Esau. His daughter, Dinah, had been raped and his sons had retaliated by killing every male in that town and by plundering the town.

God called out to Jacob and he returned to Bethel, recognizing that God had faithfully kept His covenant but that Jacob was in need of renewing the promise He had made to God. The influence of the world around him had made an impact on Jacob and his family and he needed to once again cleanse himself, returning to the place where God had revealed himself to Jacob. And the God of Jacob’s past faithfully appeared to him again and blessed him, showing Jacob that God was not only the God of yesterday, but the God of today and the God of tomorrow.

Now that Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again at Bethel. God blessed him, saying “Your name is Jacob, but you will not be called Jacob any longer. From now on your name will be Israel.” So God renamed him Israel.

Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place where God had spoken to him. Then he poured wine over it as an offering to God an anointed the pillar with olive oil. And Jacob named the place Bethel (which means “house of God”), because God had spoken to him there. – Genesis 35:9-15

Perhaps God is calling us back to the place where we entered into a covenant relationship with Him. The world around us and the stress & busyness of this life have had an impact on us and we need to renew our promise, recognizing that the God of our yesterday is still who we desire to be the Lord of our today and the Keeper of our tomorrows. God is faithful and He still desires to bless us and for us to bless Him by being fruitful and increasing in number. I choose to renew that covenant and desire to keep it fresh and growing stronger each day.

Twins – there is something exciting about having twins. Twins seem to tweak our curiosity. For Rebekah, twins meant two siblings struggling with each other before they were even born. After struggling with infertility, the Lord heard Isaac’s prayer and blessed Rebekah, saying to her:

“The sons in your womb will become two nations. From the very beginning, the two nations will be rivals. One nation will be stronger than the other; and your older son will serve your younger son.” – Genesis 25:23

Sure enough, Jacob was born pursuing his brother’s position as firstborn – with his hand grasping Esau’s heel. As they grew up, their differences increased with Esau becoming a skilled hunter of wild animals and Jacob staying closer to home to tend his father’s tamed flocks.

Showing he had little regard for his birthright and that he was driven more by his carnal desires, Esau traded his birthright when Jacob offered his hungry brother a bowl of stew for the precious inheritance. Esau ate the meal, then got up and left (25:27-34) – only to be hungry again in just a few hours. He gave up his blessed position for temporary pleasure. Fear of not getting what he wanted caused Esau to jeopardize all that was rightfully his as firstborn son.

Isaac also allowed fear to jeopardize God’s blessing. There was a time of famine and Isaac moved his family to Gerar. The Lord told him to stay there – that He would be with Isaac and bless him. God’s promise to Abraham continued through Isaac as He promised to make his descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky (26:4).

Despite this promise of blessing, Isaac let fear control him. Out of fear the Philistines would kill him in order to obtain his beautiful wife, Isaac told everyone that Rebekah was his sister. Sound familiar? Apparently Isaac had not learned from his own father’s mistakes (12:10-20). Isaac’s fear of death put his wife in danger and God’s blessing in jeopardy. King Abimelech saw Rebekah in Isaac’s arms one day and confronted his lie, declaring protection over this family. And once more, God blessed His people in spite of their great fear and small faith.

Years later, Rebekah let her fear get in the way of her faith. Isaac was old and losing his sight. He called Esau and told him to hunt for some wild game and prepare Isaac’s favorite dish. He would then pronounce the blessing of the firstborn onto Esau. Rebekah remembered God’s promise but her fear that Esau would get the blessing she wanted for Jacob caused her to intervene and choose deception instead of faith.

Jacob willfully followed Rebekah’s plan of deception. He pretended to be Esau and tricked Isaac into giving him the blessing Isaac intended for Esau. When Esau learned of his brother’s trickery, a hate began to grow in him and he schemed how he might kill Jacob someday. When Rebekah heard of Esau’s plan, she sent Jacob away with the excuse that he needed to travel back to Rebekah’s brother to find a wife so he would not have to marry a Canaanite woman.

Rebekah probably never again saw this son she loved so much. If she had trusted God’s provision of His promise, she might have grown old watching Jacob receive God’s blessings. Instead of faith she chose fear, using manipulation and deception to pull God’s plan into place. But God’s plan not God’s way is never God’s will.

What areas of my life am I letting fear control? Lord, teach me to trust in you for every provision. May your promises and blessings on my life pour out directly from your hand. Teach me to let go of my attempts to control and manipulate the circumstances around me. Help me to simply open up my hands to receive what you want in my life. Forgive me for the many times I let fear get in the way of my faith. God, I trust you. You are my Provider and my Protector. In you I place my trust, giving you my family and my future. Amen.

It was evening and Rebekah did the same thing she did every evening. She gathered her empty water jug and walked to the well along with the other women. Perhaps the water would be used to prepare the evening meal or to water the garden where she grew food for her family. It was her routine and, perhaps, her favorite time of day – the opportunity to take a walk with the other women.

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that Rebekah’s life was forever changed. Today was different than the other days. Today there was a servant with 10 camels kneeling close to the well. Rebekah went down to the spring, filled her jug and then came up again. The servant ran over to her and asked for her drink. Without hesitation, Rebekah quickly lowered her water jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. She offered to draw water for all 10 camels and quickly emptied the remainder of the jug into the trough and returned to the spring over and over again, drawing perhaps as much as 250 gallons of water for the camels (Genesis 24).

I wonder what Rebekah’s reaction was when the servant gave her a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists. Had she ever been given a gift of such value? Did she realize the significance of the gift? Did she have any idea of how quickly her life was going to change?

Rebekah was simply living out her routine of daily spending time at the well and God met her there. Her life was never the same. God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey, willing to go wherever God wanted her to be – even if that was a very long way from her family and friends, from the life she had always known. God blessed her generously and she became a matriarch in the lineage of the Messiah.

It was evening and Zipporah did the same thing she did every evening. She gathered her empty water jug and walked to the well with her six sisters. Every evening the girls made this trip to the well, bringing back water to fill the troughs for their father’s flocks. It was her routine and, perhaps, her favorite time of day – the opportunity to take a walk with her sisters.

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that Zipporah’s life was forever changed. Today was different than the other days. Today there were cruel shepherds at the well who chased them away, keeping them from what they needed to do. But there was also a hero at the well who swept in and rescued the girls from the shepherds. His name was Moses (Exodus 2).

I wonder what Zipporah’s reaction was when this handsome man dressed as an Egyptian prince came to her rescue. Had anyone ever done something of that kind of value for her before? Did she realize the significance of this moment? Did she have any idea of how quickly her life was going to change?

Zipporah was simply living out her routine of daily spending time at the well and God met her there. Her life was never the same. God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey – a journey that would someday take her a very long way from her family and friends, from the life she had always known. God blessed her generously and she had a front row seat to watching her husband be used by God to rescue His people out of slavery.

It was noon and the Samaritan woman did the same thing she did every day. She gathered her empty water jug and walked to the well alone. Every day she made this trip to the well by herself, avoiding the other women who would come to the well later in the day. She wanted to avoid the stares and the whispering, the condemnation she knew she deserved. But there was a hero at the well that day, a Savior who knew her secrets and offered her living water.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” – John 4:13-14

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that the Samaritan’s life was forever changed. Today was different than the other days. Her heart leapt at the thought of a different life, a life in which she would no longer need to face the condemnation of others each day. She understood the value of the gift she was being offered when Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” (John 4:26). She ran to the village and brought many Samaritans back to the well to meet Jesus.

The Samaritan woman was simply living out her routine of daily coming to the well and Jesus met her there. Her life was never the same. God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey – a journey that would take her a long way from the sinful life she had known for so long. A life in which she would never thirst again.

It is in living out a routine of daily spending time at the well that our lives can be changed forever. God meets us when we faithfully spend time in His presence. Many days it will feel the same, like routine. But there will be days in which God gives us a moment that will change our lives forever. He has a plan for our lives and He longs to guide us daily on our new journey – a journey with God-moments, opportunities, and living water.

Sarah died at age 127. Abraham bought a plot of land surrounding a cave so that he could have a permanent burial place for his family. He, too, was getting up in age and it was time for him to find a wife for Isaac. He did not want her to marry a local Canaanite woman, so he asked his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, to travel back to his homeland to find Isaac a wife.

So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions. Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. Then he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled. He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening and the women were coming out to draw water. – Genesis 24:9-11

When asked to perform this very important task for his master, Abraham’s servant was WILLING, he was PREPARED and he left EQUIPPED to do what he had been asked to do. He STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED himself. He was there to find a young woman, so he went to the place where the young women were known to go each day and draw water for their families. Then he PRAYED to God for success.

“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham. See, I am standing here beside the spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water. This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ – let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” – Genesis 24:12-14

Abraham’s servant had been entrusted with a great responsibility. When it came time for him to carry out Abraham’s request, he first took time to pray – asking God to be the one to give him success that day. His heart was genuine. He did not want success for his own merit but out of love for His master. And the Spirit compelled him to pray specifically.

Before he had finished praying, before he had even finished praying, don’t miss this – before the words were completely out of his mouth, God specifically answered his prayer!

Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother, Nahor and his wife, Milcah. Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again. Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”

“Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink. When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.” – Genesis 24:15-19

Now my study Bible says that ten thirsty camels could drink as much as 250 gallons of water. This generous offer of Rebekah’s showed she was hard-working and hospitable. By remaining a virgin, Rebekah was also available for God’s plan for her life.

The servant waited patiently, watching God be God – taking in the moment when God was answering his prayer and making his journey successful. He then took time to praise God and to give honor to the God who had LED HIM ON HIS JOURNEY. God had not simply called him, He had led Him.

The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord. “Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.” – Genesis 24:26-27

The servant gave Rebekah a gold nose ring and two large gold bracelets for her wrists – very expensive gifts. Rebekah brought the servant back to her family and her brother immediately noticed the value of the gifts. The servant testified to Laban and his family how God had given him success in what he had been sent to do.

Delayed obedience is disobedience. Rebekah’s family wanted her to wait 10 days before leaving but the servant did not want to delay the completion of his mission. Rebekah recognized the hand of God on her life and willingly went with the servant right away, rather than taking the time to say goodbye to her family as was traditionally allowed.

I love this next part because I have experienced it firsthand: It was while spending time alone in God’s presence that Isaac looked up and saw Rebekah (24:63). I love how our Faithful God speaks to us and moves in our lives during our quiet times with Him. I believe there was no doubt in Isaac’s mind and no wavering of Rebekah’s heart that God had chosen them to join together for God’s purposes and His plan.

Lord, we pause and wait patiently for you. We take time this morning to pray and to praise. We are willing to be used by you today. Lord, prepare and equip us to accomplish your will. Give us wisdom to know where to strategically position ourselves and how to pray specifically. Speak to us and give us an unwavering obedient heart for you. We love you and we praise you for unfailing love and faithfulness towards us each day. Amen.

We don’t need to protect what God gave us from the God who gave it to us.

This is a point I heard my husband make in one of his sermons a couple of years ago. It comes back to my mind this week. Yesterday, we had friends from church bring their newborn son home from the hospital to start their new journey as parents. Yesterday, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law drove their son, Tyler, to college to start his freshman year. Next week, they will make the same drive with their daughter, Brittany.

No matter how excited you are about what God has for your children, no matter how long you have planned for this day, no matter how much you have prepared yourself for this moment – there is nothing easy about letting go of your children and trusting God with what comes next. Only this is not the first time John & Cheryl have trusted God with their kids. They have spent the last 19 years placing their most precious gifts from God back into the hands of the God who provides. It is something we, as parents, have to do daily.

Abraham would understand just how hard a task this is. But Abraham would also understand how it is the same God who blessed us with children in the first place who asks us to trust Him with what comes next – to do anything God would ask us to do with the blessings He has provided for us.

Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” – Genesis 22:1-14

Isaac was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham yet God asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. Abraham trusted God to provide and faithfully, without hesitation, walked up the mountain with his greatest possession – his son.

We don’t need to protect what God gave us from the God who gave it to us.
– My marriage
– My family
– My job
– My money
– My health
– My friends

This morning, Jake & Bekah woke up to the sounds of their newborn son.

This morning, John & Cheryl woke up missing the son they dropped off at college yesterday.

This morning, Kelly will stand by Joe’s bedside and watch the doctors turn off the machines and kiss her husband goodbye.

This morning, Matt & Trish will drive their son to his second surgery in the last 8 days.

This morning, Tim will continue what he has been doing since July 5th – sitting by Darci’s beside and praying for God to heal her.

“Here I am, Lord.” Show me this morning what I am clinging to that has never been mine to begin with. Remind me of your provisions and give me the strength to trust you with what comes next. I thank you for the abundant blessings you so generously extend to me every day. I place EVERYTHING on the altar and I choose to listen to your voice. Yahweh-Yireh – the Lord will provide.

This morning the Lord gave me a closer look at Abraham’s nephew, Lot. As we learned last week, Lot’s father had died while still in Ur of the Chaldeans, which is why Lot went with Abraham after his grandfather also died. Just as He blessed Abraham, God also blessed Lot with great wealth through his large possession of flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many tents.

When their flocks became too big, Abraham gave Lot a choice: “The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want the land to the left, then I’ll take the land on the right. If you prefer the land on the right, then I’ll go to the left.” – Gen. 13:9

When given a choice, Lot chose the whole Jordan Valley, an area that was very fertile and therefore would make him even wealthier. He moved his tents to a place near Sodom and settled among the cities of the plain. Now here is the significance of this decision. This area was known for the extreme wickedness of the people living there. They had a reputation of constantly sinning against the Lord, yet Lot was drawn to what this area had to offer him and he made a choice to live among this sinful society (13:12-13).

Soon after that, a war broke out between nine kings. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were plundered and Lot was taken hostage along with all of his household and many others from that area. Abraham gathered together his men and rescued Lot from the mess he had gotten himself into. Rather than starting a new life in a new area, Lot chose to return to life as he knew it – back in Sodom where the people went right back to their sinful ways.

Now when the three visitors came to Abraham with the promise that Sarah would have a baby in about a year, the Lord also had a message for Abraham regarding the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities had become very flagrant in their sin.

Abraham had concern for the residents of these cities and asked God if He would spare the cities if He found 50 people who were righteous. God agreed. Abraham asked if He would spare the cities if He found 45 righteous people. God agreed. What about 40? Yes, 40. What about 30? Yes, 30. Abraham boldly asked God if He would spare the cities if he found 20 righteous people. For the sake of 20, God agreed He would spare the cities. Abraham, probably thinking of the fate of his nephew, asked God for one more number – would he spare the cities for 10? God stated He would hold back his judgment if He found even as small of a number as 10 righteous people.

Lot was drawn to the sinfulness of society while Abraham was concerned for the fate of the lost. Lot blended in with the sinful people while Abraham separated himself and prayed to the Lord for those condemned to judgment.

Two angels came to Lot in Sodom. They warned him of the coming destruction of the city and told Lot to get out of the city. The next morning, Lot was still there. The angels had to insist that Lot take his family and leave Sodom immediately. Lot still hesitated and the angels had to drag Lot and his family to safety.

When they were safely out of the city, one of the angels ordered, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley! Escape to the mountains, or you will be swept away!” – Gen. 19:17

Lot begged the angels to let him stay close by. He was being warned to run from sinfulness and wickedness but Lot chose to stay close to the sinful life he had come to know. Lot’s wife looked back on the city as it was being destroyed and she turned into a pillar of salt. The verb used here indicates she cast more than a curious glance. She gazed intensely for a prolonged period. She was too attached to sin to respond to God’s gracious mercy. She chose to focus on what this sinful world had to offer her instead of the gift of life God was extending to her.

These people are as useless as dried-up springs or as mist blown away by the wind. They are doomed to blackest darkness. They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With an appeal to twisted sexual desires, they lure back into sin those who have barely escaped from a lifestyle of deception. They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves of sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you. And when people escape from the wickedness of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up and enslaved by sin again, they are worse off than before. It would be better if they had never known the way to righteousness than to know it and then reject the command they were given to live a holy life. They prove the truth of this proverb: “A dog returns to its vomit.” And another says, “A washed pig returns to the mud.” – 2 Peter 2:17-22

God, reveal in us any love we might have for the sinful ways of the world we live in. Reveal the choices we daily make and do a work in our hearts. Lord, help us to see this world and be concerned for their sin, rather than drawn into its corruption. Heavenly Father, we choose freedom in knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ rather than being a slave to the sin that seeks to control us. We answer Your call to live a holy life and choose to walk in the way of righteousness – fill us with Your righteousness we pray. Amen.

Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since you’ve given me no children, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no descendants of my own, so one of my servants will be my heir.” – Genesis 15:1-3

God has promised Abram that his descendants will be as numerous as the dust of the earth (13:16), but Abram is confused by the fact that he is still without a son of his own. He calls God “Sovereign Lord” showing that he recognizes God is in charge. God reminds him – My will, my way, my time. God confirms his promise again to Abram, telling him his descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky (15:5).

And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Gen. 15:6

God reminded Abram that the promise for his descendants included the promise for a territory or inheritance. Abram’s response – “O Sovereign Lord, how can I be sure that I will actually possess it?” Abram again recognizes that God is in charge and God again confirms his promise (15:8,18-19).

The Scriptures say that Abraham had two sons, one from his slave wife and one from his freeborn wife. The son of the slave wife was born in a human attempt to bring about the fulfillment of God’s promise. But the son of the freeborn wife was born out of God’s own fulfillment of his promise (Galatians 4:22-23).

Sarai tried to force God’s will her own way in her own time by having Abram lay with her servant girl, Hagar. Then in jealousy, Sarai treated Hagar harshly so Hagar ran away. God SAW Hagar’s pain (16:13) and met with her, but sent her back to Sarai. Later, after the birth of Sarah’s son Isaac, Hagar was sent away. This time God HEARD Hagar’s pain and met with her, providing for her needs and blessing her son. Again God makes it clear – My will, my way, my time.

There have been too times in my life when I, too, have made a human attempt to force God’s hand. What a great reminder for me this morning that God has a plan, God has a way and God has His own timing. I can rest and relax in His Sovereignty!

“I am El-Shaddai – ‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.” – Genesis 17:1-2

God again confirmed His promise to Abram. He changed his name to Abraham, which means ‘father of many’ and changed Sarai’s name to Sarah, stating He would bless her richly and make her the mother of many nations. At ages 100 and 90, what God was promising seemed humanly impossible. But God is Sovereign and for Him nothing is impossible.

Abram loved Ishmael and asked God to fulfill His promise through his son.

God’s will: “No – Sarah, your wife will give birth to a son for you. You will name him Isaac, and I will confirm my covenant with him and his descendants as an everlasting covenant…” (17:19).

God’s way: “But my covenant will be confirmed with Isaac, who will be born to you and Sarah…” (17:21)

God’s time: “…about this time next year” (17:21)

Three men appeared to Abraham one day to once again confirm God’s promise: “I will return to you about this time next year, and your wife, Sarah, will have a son!” (18:10). Sarah was listening to this conversation from the tent and laughed silent to herself saying, “HOW could a worn-out woman like me enjoy such pleasure, especially when my master – my husband – is also so old?” (18:12)

Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say, ‘Can an old woman like me have a baby?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” (18:13-14).

What a great reminder to start off my day! With a cup of morning coffee and a word from the Lord, I’m eager to face what is ahead. All the “How?” questions rattling around in my brain have the same answer – God’s will, God’s way, and in God’s time. El-Shaddai, I place my day in your hands. God Almighty, I place my life in your hands. Sovereign Lord, I let go and let you decide what happens from here. I long to experience Your will, Your way , in Your time. Amen.