After organizing a successful community event, I felt deep satisfaction when a local newspaper gave it positive coverage. Putting forward the work of Christ was the main goal, and there it was — good press for our church project.
Truth is, while God had given me the vision for the event, making it happen was one of the hardest things I ever did. I made mistakes, hit walls, got frustrated, and everything seemed to crumble. Yet, because it was God’s project, He made it work in spite of me — all for His glory.
Abraham was called by God to be the father of a great nation, and we know him as a hero of the faith. In our text, Abraham is celebrated for having obeyed God. Nothing is said about the fact that he stumbled and tried to do things his own way — several times. We can also read in Genesis that he made mistakes, hit walls, got frustrated, and often took matters into his own hands. His obedience was not always perfect. There was some trial and error. But he had a heart for God. God’s grace led him right where the Lord had planned all along.
This is reassuring because even when we do our best, our walk is far from perfect. But we can trust that God’s grace will lead us home if our hearts are His. God is faithful and He is with us.
Dearest God, I need you. I can’t do your will without your strength. It is so much bigger than me. Teach me to obey You and to rely on your grace. Let your kingdom come and your will be done. Let your glory be revealed through my life. May the light of Christ shine through me, that people may come to know you and give you praise. Amen.
Go Deeper – Is there an area of your life where you feel like you need to perform at all costs? Pray that God will teach you to let go, to depend on His grace more, and rely on your own efforts less.
Photo Credit: Dan Grinwis