Having purchased fire-escape ladders for our two-story home, we decided to take them out of the box and practice using them before the onset of an emergency.
So on a hot summer day our family climbed out of our upstairs windows one at a time. Comical for anyone to watch, the tone of events changed when our daughter felt the ladder moving as she climbed down. Although she had previously climbed a high ropes course, the swaying of the ladder was more palpable to her than the touch of her dad just a few feet below her on the ground. Nothing we said could convince her that she was safe.
We’re not alone in our fear. Whether it’s a fear of heights, a fear of unknown places or a fear of getting hurt in relationships, we all have well-constructed mental and emotional fortresses to keep us safe. Abraham trusted in his ability to control his circumstances by selecting which pieces of information to disclose and which to hide. Interestingly it was his concern that there was “no fear of God in this place” (Genesis 20:11 NASB) that drove him to deceive. Abimelech’s response, however, evidenced an awe of the Lord’s hand (Genesis 20:4-8) and proved to be more honorable than Abraham’s (Genesis 20:9,16).
But the story doesn’t end there. James 2:23 reminds us that fear did not forever direct Abraham’s path: “And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: ‘Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.’ He was even called the friend of God.”
Abraham came to understand that though circumstances could make him feel as if the “ladder of safety” was swaying beneath him, the arm of his Father was ready and willing to save (Numbers 11:23; Jeremiah 32:17). O that we too may be called faithful.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 5:1-16
More:
Read Isaiah 40:1-18, 25-31. In this passage, God pledges His comfort and provision to His people. What is our part in this promise?
Next:
What is your typical response when you feel that circumstances are spinning out of control? What does God want you to understand about His hand of protection?
iamahumbleservant on June 28, 2012 at 4:40 am
thank you for your reminder.
it is true that sometimes we trust our ‘gut feeling’ and ‘experiences’ rather than God’s promises.
we should really learn to be fully conscious and aware that whenever there are challenges, the first thought that should come into mind is to trust in God and not our own solutions.
regina franklin on June 28, 2012 at 11:22 am
Dear imahumbleservant–good point! It’s a part of our broken human nature that we think we (finite, limited beings) have greatere ideas and are more trustworthy than God (the infinite Creator of the universe). Your user name holds the key–humility is a necessary part of learning to wait on and trust in God. May we be willing to say that without Him the real solution eludes us.
madq24 on June 28, 2012 at 10:04 am
That’s what Christianity is all about…Faith.
regina franklin on June 28, 2012 at 11:23 am
Yes, and not a faith made up of words or thoughts but a faith acted upon daily in belief of what He has spoken.
tom felten on June 28, 2012 at 11:32 am
Regina, what James wrote is simple but powerful: “Abraham believed God” (2:23). What a great reminder of what real faith entails. May our belief in Him grow as trust Him in all things!
dr.lightsey on June 28, 2012 at 12:13 pm
The faith that brought us to the place of salvation (we are saved by grace, through faith – Ephesians 2:8), is the same faith that carries us through our walk with God. What we do with that faith and when and how we use it makes all the difference.