Trusting God’s leading, Abram returned to the Promised Land, which is the opposite of why he went to Egypt. Earlier, there was a famine in Caanan, and without seeking the Lord, Abram determined the best course of action was to go to Egypt, where there was food. Like many of us, Abram was on a faith journey and lacked mature faith, which led him to rely on himself instead of God.
Our faith is often tested during difficult times, and the Lord uses these moments to teach us the importance of relying on Him. Genesis 13:1So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. [1] There was a time when not trusting the Lord led me in the wrong direction. Fortunately, the Lord called me back to himself as He did with Abram. Genesis 13:3 From the Negev, they continued traveling by stages toward Bethel, and they pitched their tents between Bethel and Ai, where they had camped before.[2]
Returning to God After Faltering
It is a humbling experience when we falter in our faith, and the Lord must pick us up out of the muck and mire. In our failure, we often begin to listen to the Lord’s voice in our desperation. Just as the Lord called Abram back to the Promised Land, he calls us back to Himself after we have faltered. The Lord calls us back in His mercy so we can again fulfill His plans for our lives.
Our text reminds us that we can always return to God for direction and clarity, no matter the distractions or detours. In a worldly sense, Abram became wealthy in Egypt, but that is not always a blessing. Genesis 13:2Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.[3]
Pursuing the riches of this world instead of pursuing God will often fog our minds about what is spiritually essential. As believers, the Lord has called us out of this world to lead a rich life in our relationship with Him. Luke 16:13 No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. [4]
Rekindling Worship
As Abram returned to Canaan he renewed his relationship with the Lord. Genesis 13:4 This was the same place where Abram had built the altar, and there he worshiped the Lord again. [5] Something significant happens in our hearts when we return to the Lord after failure, it is then we see life in a different light. The building of the altar represents a renewed relationship with the Lord.
When has the Lord met you and called you back to revisit the foundations of faith? Abram’s worship of the Lord is a powerful reminder to prioritize spiritual communication with God. Worshipping the Lord regularly helps us take steps of faith to trust in His provision and guidance.
To learn more about trusting God’s leading, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/navigating-choices
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.