Nougat 30

Yesterday’s reflection began a two-part discourse on why we do what we do – is it by force or choice. As we consider Today’s Holy Nougat, I pray that we will also think about current or past situations that weigh/ed us down. In reflection, let’s also ask ourselves what our response tells others about our faith.

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 -2

As previously stated, when I read our Nougat, I noticed two things: 1- Abram settled for less than God’s plan, as did his dad. 2- Despite his obedience to and faith in God, Abram harboured a bit of doubt at the sign of serious troubles. We discuss, rather reflect, on the evidence of Abram’s doubts.

I’m using the term ‘doubt’ to describe Abram’s actions because he had already trusted and proven God to get him out of his father’s home all the way to Canaan. On arrival in Canaan, Abram received yet another vision and promise from YHWH (see verses 6-7). Yet Abram continued to travel: perhaps to survey the land that God promised him, or he wasn’t yet ready to settle down. As he travelled south towards the Negev desert, Abram built at least another altar to his god YHWH and was visibly worshipping. Nevertheless, the severe famine saw Abram relocating to Egypt.

What happened to the altar? Where was his worship?

Self-Check

When troubles come – as they invariably do – what is our default action?

Application

Siblings, if I haven’t ever said it to us before, please permit me to tell us now. The enemy of our souls can and will prey on our vulnerability, especially when things are going well. Things going great spiritually doesn’t mean troubles are permanently banished. Rather, it says to me that the enemy has retreated until such other time to tempt us yet again (see Luke 4:13. If the devil waited to tempt Y’shua at the next opportunity, we’re far from exempt).

Abram’s decision was likely weighted by the number of people under his care: himself, Sarai, Lot, Lot’s family, and all their servants (per verse 5). He had not yet officially parted ways with Lot, so it’s likely that he was trying to figure out how they would all be fed. Whatever the reason, we don’t hear that God told Abram to take refuge in Egypt. Rather, Abram felt forced to relocate because of the famine.

Inasmuch as we’ll see that that was a wrong and costly decision later, it is worth asking ourselves what factors we allow to weigh in on our decisions, especially after a season of prayer. Siblings, I guarantee, it isn’t easy to trust our future to God when Life starts lifing. However, I assure us from other people’s testimonies as well as personal experience, God’s way is the absolutely best way in the face of anxiety. That requires that we opt to consult YHWH. Failure to do so is likely sheer disobedience or fear. Fear born of doubt, perhaps.

At that point, our best bet is to pray – for direction and the strength to obey.

Assignment

In the face of fear and anxiety, first consult YHWH.

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May all we seek be found in Christ