Nougat 29

In reflecting on our response to life’s challenges, we ought to think about what triggers us. Consider Today’s Holy Nougat

Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“At that time a severe famine struck the land of Canaan, forcing Abram to go down to Egypt, where he lived as a foreigner.” ‭‭

Chose or Forced To -1

As I read our Nougat, I noticed two things:1- Like his father seems to have done, Abram settled for less than God’s plan. 2- Despite the knowledge that God was the One Who sent him to Canaan, Abram harbored a little doubt when troubles came.

Self-Check

– What do we do when Good seems to have forgotten Gods promises to us?

– Do we invite God’s intervention in our decisions?

Application

1. Whose plan?

In a prior Nougat reflection, we noted that Terah, Abram’s dad, also seemed to have been called by God to take the special blessing offered by being separate unto God. Perhaps because of his other son’s death, or maybe another reason, Terah stopped and never made it to the land God directed him.

The chapter begins with Abram receiving and obeying God’s mandate to relocate to a special land. There, in return for his obedience Abram would be blessed and become a blessing to others – him and his descendants (see verses 1-3). Having begun the journey back in Ur with his father and siblings, we know that Abram understood the new mission he was assigned. It was God Who set him on the path, God Who promised to provide, God Who assured him of blessings. So, what ‘forced’ Abram to relocate to Egypt? Was that the Land to which God sent Abram? Whose plan was Abram fulfilling?

Siblings, when we agree to follow God, it’s not multiple choice. We aren’t invited to part of the journey, only to stop when we feel that the going is tough. Early in the chapter, we note God’s invitation didn’t assure Abram that life would be void of challenges. God’s invitation to us includes a blessing, but does not preclude us facing opposition. Thus, we ought to check our focus.

In answering God’s call, we answer God’s call to us, not others. Let us not adopt the approach of others to God’s call without trying to understand what God has said to us. God will honor God’s Word. So if God has tgiven us a blessing promise, when in the famine – God shall provide. When in the flood – God will sort it out. It is thus incumbent upon us to ensure that our every step is per God’s direction, and not what we feel ‘forced’ to do. In those moments, I pray we look to the leading of God’s Spirit, and not our own or others’ wisdom. Before we change direction, we must consult the One Who has called us forth.

Assignment

– For each decision we face, may our First point of contact be our knees, lips and ears, tuning into God’s channel for direction and advice.

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May all we seek be found in Christ