January 09, 2020
Abraham was doubting. You would have doubted too. God had given him a promise that he would have a son, but decades had elapsed. Abraham was getting old and the possibilities of having a child were humanly non-existent. He began to offer God alternate paths, thinking God needed some help.
GOD KNOWS THE CONDITION OF OUR FAITH
The Lord knew where Abraham was. He knew Abraham needed a fresh reminder for him to get back to faith. So, He said to His servant, "Don't worry. I promised something to you and I will fulfill it. But if you need one more assurance, let's walk out and look at the stars and I'll speak this promise into your soul one more time."
THE REDUNDANCY OF GOD’S PROMISES
We often doubt God, worrying over things which God has already revealed to us. This is one of the reasons He has given us the overabundance of promises in His Word. He invites us to go back again and again and renew our doubting hearts. Our knowing Father understands our frame and realizes that we often need multiple assurances.
This patient grace of God should assure us that He can be trusted. He knows us inside and out, seeing the whole history of our lives from birth to death and beyond. He knows the plans He has for us and invites us to relax—to abide—in Him. And when we are doubting and tempted to resort to alternate plans, He will meet us there.
Abraham needed a final push toward faith and the Great Shepherd graciously provided. God met Abraham in his faith journey where he was to take him where he needed to be. And, He will do the same for you.
March 29, 2023
As a pastor for the last 55 years, I have had the joy of being encouraged and blessed and prayed for by so many people. It is what carries you in your task of shepherding people. As I look back over five decades of ministry, their love has dramatically enriched my life.
But also, a pastor leads. And when anyone leads, there are almost always some who disagree.
March 28, 2023
March 27, 2023