Seeing beyond the surface requires looking at life through God’s lens as the Holy Spirit leads us. The land could not support the large flocks of sheep, goats, and cattle owned by Abram and Lot, so we see them go in different directions.
Genesis 13:10 Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the Lord or the beautiful land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 Lot chose for himself the whole Jordan Valley to the east of them. He went there with his flocks and servants and parted company with his uncle Abram.[1]
Like Lot, we can be tempted to make decisions based purely on outward appearances, not realizing the implications of our choices. In contrast to Lot, Abram trusted God for his future. As we look to the Lord, He teaches us the importance of making decisions rooted not in what looks best outwardly but in what God has promised and called us to.
Seek First the Kingdom of God
Jesus gives us wisdom. Matthew 6:33Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. [2] This is an easy passage to understand, but it requires mature faith to put into practice. Like Lot, we may face challenges or decisions and disregard God’s guidance.
When I went to college, I pursued a career without seeking God’s direction, and later I learned what this verse meant. In God’s mercy, He does not waste our failures, which can be great teachers. This passage teaches us that as followers of Jesus, we must walk by faith, not sight. As we grow in faith, we understand the importance of God’s eternal promises over the temporal earthly treasures. But this takes the power of the Holy Spirit to open our spiritual eyes.
Abram’s Assurance: Faith Over Sight
Because Abram trusted God, he could give Lot the first choice of land for his herds and flocks. Abram’s decision resulted in living in a less attractive land but demonstrated his trust in God’s promises. True blessings arise from faith in God and alignment with His will rather than short-term material gains.
Following Jesus as our Lord and Savior involves trusting in God’s promises beyond what is visible with our focus on the eternal. Years ago, I ministered to a man who had terminal cancer, and the Lord used that illness to take him on a journey from trusting in wealth to trusting in Him. In a faith context, it was a rags-to-riches story. When we know Jesus as our Savior, we become wealthy! As believers, we can find comfort in God’s unwavering faithfulness during our uncertain journeys. In 2 Corinthians 5:7, Paul says, “For we live by believing and not by seeing.[3]
To learn more about seeing beyond the surface, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/navigating-choices
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.