Genesis 17-20

Today in Genesis 17-20 we read more about how God shows up in Abraham and Sarah's life. They are proof that God's timing is everything.  Abraham is 99 years young and Sarah 90, and God promises them a son by the next year!  It's crazy good, hard-to-believe news.  Their son Isaac is all part of God's bigger plan to make the couple the mother and father of a great nation of God's faithful people.  God's just working out the details like He promises us He will.  Also in these chapters, God completely destroys Sodom and Gomorrah, the area where Lot (Abraham's nephew) lives.  Those cities are too full of wickedness and evil for God's liking.  God remembers Abraham,though, and saves Lot and his daughters.  Lot's wife is not so lucky, as her split second decision to look back (despite God's instruction) leads to her death.  King Abimelek even witnesses God's sovereignty for himself through his relationship with Sarah.  We learn just how much faith serves as the life line for Abraham and his family.

I love reading all the ways God is with His people in Genesis.  The almighty, powerful God who can destroy entire cities in seconds also chooses to show up and hear, assure, guide, and encourage His believers in real ways.  

So far in Genesis, God has been there for Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Lot.  God is interested in establishing and nurturing a family of believers.   

God has a great love for His people.  He really wants to be in relationship with us, doesn't he?  Our God is a conversational God.  Notice all the ways He reaches out to people.  Our God can do anything and everything.  I don't know about you, but I want Him on my side.

14 Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Genesis 18:14

Yet, as humans, we hesitate at times.  We do not always listen to our all-knowing God and His perfect plan.  We make mistakes and get off track.  The world is a busy, noisy, distracting place.  We need God to grab us by the hand and show us His direction and mercy, like He did for Lot and his family.

16 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.

Genesis 19:16

What is too hard for you?  Give it to God.

Are you hesitating in any area of your life?  Ask God to grab you by the hand.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

I am so thankful for my relationship with You.  I know nothing is too hard for You.  There are things in my life that are really hard for me ____________________.  Forgive my hesitation.  I pray for Your mercy.  Help me listen to You.  Grab me by the hand, and show me where to go and what to do for You, Lord.  I also pray you will hold ___________'s (those on your heart) hands.

In the name of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit,

Amen

Grace and peace,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.