Nougat 24

The story so far …

Abram is called by God to separate himself from the comfortable and familiar, to set out for an unknown destination. In return, God promises him Good returns on his obedience. While traveling, Abram enters Canaanite territory and he has a fresh God encounter.

Today’s Holy Nougat tells us about that encounter:

“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “I’m going to give this land to your descendants.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” Genesis‬ ‭12:7‬ ‭GW‬‬

Most commentaries see this as Abram’s first real encounter with, rather visit from God. I would hasten to add that it was his first post-Obedience encounter. For the decision to leave his extended family was, for me, the result of an encounter with God. We are not given the details of that first meeting; but we have the instructions and we know the outcome. Abram obeyed and the ENTIRE course of his life and also history shifted.

That initial act of obedience was a seed. It set the course for other meetings With God, each carrying its own impact and level of importance for Abram’s Faith journey. For Abram to hear from God in the nougat we received, he had to Leave home and begin traveling. No mention of a special mark, as given to Cain; no protective presence as a pillar of Fire (both may have been included, but not mentioned); however we hear of Abram soldiering on with wife and nephew.

He had no map; but he found the place where God was directing him to. And right there, probably when they all began to wonder what next God gave Abram a special visit.

You see, my relatives in Christ, we must first determine to listen for God’s voice and Obey, if we seek encounters with God. Obedience is KEY to moving us from the ordinary and natural to extraordinary and supernatural God moments. Our relationship with God CAN and WILL move when we step out in Faith. And, when we step out we will find God is already at the next point along the journey; ready to visit with us and offer guidance, encouragement and support.

For not only did God visit with Abram; but the encounter revealed the tender blossoms of fruit to come. God gave Abram a concrete promise – not any longer ‘Land I will show you’; it was the evidence of what was to come. Not merely making a nation with Abram, Lot and whomever else; but now Land for Abram’s descendants.

Are we seeking a fresh word from God? Are we longing for a direct divine visitation? Perhaps we need to revisit our last task in obedience and ensure it’s completed. It could be that we are waiting on God to move, while God is waiting on us. And to be safe, let’s ask God for a reminder of our task; we will either get an assurance that we’re on track; or we will receive a reminder.

I pray we have many more God encounters along our journey.

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May all we seek be found in Christ