…Abram knew that he would become more prosperous, and he knew who was blessing him. He intended to receive everything from God and not even a thread from Sodom.
Obedient believers frame their lives so that for all success, joy, comfort, and prosperity they depend on God—but their faith is like Abram’s, deeply rooted and growing stronger rather than brief and weak.
The king of Sodom was obviously a wicked man over a wicked empire; Abram discerned that dealing with Bera would compromise the vision God had given him. Abram could have reasoned that God was seeking to bless him by means of this offer. But he could not bring himself to equate the blessing of God with the best that Sodom had to offer.
Look at Genesis 15:1 and follow along with me: After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
We’ve just watch Abram stand firm in his faith full of vision for what God had promised him. Now, Abram is in doubt. He is fearful of the future, worried about whether or not God will keep His promises and give him a son.
Listen to verses 2-3: But Abram replied, “O Sovereign Lord, what good are all your blessings when I don’t even have a son? Since I don’t have a son, Eliezer of Damascus, a servant in my household, will inherit all my wealth. You have given me no children, so one of my servants will have to be my heir.”
You’ve got to give Abram credit here, he didn’t hide from God or make half-hearted excuses, he simply poured out his heart to God. Abram holds back nothing when he essentially says, “Lord all of your blessings are great, but, but, You still haven’t given me the greatest of these blessing, my heart’s greatest desire… a son.”
Watch how God responds…
Genesis 15:4-6
Then behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This man will not be your heir; but one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” And He took him outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.
What can we learn from Abram regarding vision?
1. Vision is born from faith. If I have trouble believing God, I will never be able to receive His vision for my life.
Abram chose to obey God and travel hundreds of miles to a land he had never seen because he had faith.
2. Vision is sustained through personal worship. My love, my passion for God is expressed through worship.
Abram was able to keep going through the difficult times because of his love for God and passion for worship.
3. Vision enables us to release control of our lives to God. In the beginning Abram struggled with a “control issue”.
Abram learned that when he kept focused upon his vision, God directed and blessed every situation in his life.
Have you discovered God’s vision for your life? Will you release control of your life to God today? Let Him direct things and simply follow His lead in your life.
God bless you.
