Genesis 13:14 The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west.(AG)15 All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring[a] forever.
Abram and Lot were both so prosperous that the land became too small for them, and they needed to part ways to make it work. Abram is the one who comes up with the solution and gives Lot, his nephew, the choice to look at the land and choose his destiny. Lot chose the best land, the plains of Jordan, for himself. Abram was left in Canaan to make the best with what he had. It seemed Lot got the better deal and Abram’s humble pie backfired on him, until God stepped in and told Abram to look around him and behold how God was going to bless him. I noted that Abram didn’t complain or become angry that Lot had taken what appeared to be the best. He had given the choice with a pure heart and did not look back. He seemed quite confident and comfortable with what God had given him. He simply moved on and continued to breed his flocks and carry on in the manner that had brought him great wealth to begin with. Not only did Abram get 100-fold what he gave up, but his inheritance is continuing today. Lot got only pain and heartache for his selfishness. I can’t help but wonder if Lot had chosen differently and Abram had been given the plains of Jordan, if history would have been different for Sodom and Gomorrah?
I think about how I feel when I give the choice to my neighbor (anyone in my path), and they take the best and leave me with what’s left. Somehow, I often seem to be lacking the kind of faith and contentment Abram had. I sometimes resent giving that choice at all, or I give it expecting the other person to give it back but when they don’t I resent it. Hum…? Not good. Conviction noted, forgiveness needed, but most of all more faith, confidence, and contentment, trusting God to take care of my needs Lots to still learn!
God, You have declared Your unconditional love for me and promised to meet all my needs according to Your riches in Christ Jesus! I know that, in my head, and You have been pouring it into my heart, but there is still an empty spot that needs to be filled to overflowing. Please, Father, continue pouring until there is such an overflow that I do not even hesitate to offer and give generously in obedience to You, with joy and contentment!! Help me to leave my choices in Your hands.
Journey with Joyce 