In Genesis 13, Abraham and Lot decided to grow their families and livestocks apart because it had become too plentiful to grow them together (Genesis 13:6). Abraham was the older and more entitled one, but he offered Lot the option to choose first (vs. 8). Lot chose what he could see was good land and as you read through Genesis you will discover that his land was eventually destroyed (vs. 10-11). The land left for Abraham was blessed by the Lord, deductively because of his character, as displayed in the decision to let Lot choose first (vs. 14-18). My father is an Abraham.
Embracing Spiritual Abundance
I am an only child, so I think I am predisposed to dislike sharing. And like everyone else, I am more likely to be a Lot, selecting what is favourable. I don’t think that I would have offered him the option in the first place if I were Abraham. It has taken years of being the Lord’s child and my father’s to learn how to give from a place of spiritual abundance. I am learning to give like one who knows that God will provide for me, rather than as someone who gives only when I can see there is enough left over. Through this lesson, it is also occurring to me that giving empties my hands for what the Lord has available to me. It is not what our eyes can see that provides the results we need – only the Lord can guide the paths that will favour us.
Trusting the Lord in Our Giving
The question today is “How much do you trust the Lord?” Have you been choosing and withholding because it is all that you can see that you have? Or do you have enough confidence in Christ’s intentions for you? Has your desperation led you to go against His will, or are you standing firm on the knowledge that He is Lord with whom all things are possible (Matthew 19:26)? Abraham’s willingness to let Lot choose first despite his supposed entitlement suggests that he had faith that Lot’s advantage would not deter the plans the Lord had for him, nor would it diminish his own blessing. He trusted what would eventually be the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1).
It is a reminder of 1 John 2:17, that “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever”. It is only the Lord who knew that Lot’s land would eventually be destroyed, and it is only Him who could bless the land left for Abraham. It is therefore only those who follow Him that will gain all that He has for them on Earth, as it is in Heaven. Despite the difficulty of trusting the intangible or refraining from redeeming what may be rightfully yours, the gift of heaven is worth it all. Eternity with the Lord will always be the ultimate prize – how incredible it is that as we seek His kingdom, we find what treasure He has for us here below.
I pray for grace to give despite and to have faith in all – just as my father taught me to. In Jesus’ name, amen.
