Dear Diary,
#Commitment_tests
#Faith_tests
My character, faith, love, commitment, loyalty and integrity have been tried and tested several times. Sometimes I didn't even notice I was having those random pop quizzes
Consider the following pop quizes that Uncle Abraham went through:
In Gen 12:1-7, God told Abraham to leave his country, his father's household for an unknown destination at God's direction. He did! Well, you may agree with me that leaving your comfort zone for unknown future isn't just a walk in the park. It takes TRUST. Can I/do I trust God with my unknown future?
Gen 13:8-13, when uncle Abe left Ur God promised Him land. So, he tagged along his nephew but then a conflict ensued and they had to separate. Lot chose the best plain yet it is Abraham who had been promised land. Interestingly, he generously let Lot choose his portion of land first. Wasn't it an unfair settlement? If it were me, hehee!
In Gen 14:17-24, Abraham marshaled and led his army to defeat the confederacy of five kings who had taken the cities of the plain-including Sodom, Lot and his possession captive. When the king of Sodom wanted to reward Abraham with a tremendous prize for all he did in recovering what was taken by the confederation of the 5kings, Abraham refused the spoil but gave credit to God. In addition, Abraham gave a tithe to the godly king of Salem, Melchizedek. Wow! What an attitude! Do I give credit to God for my successes? Do I pay the whole tithe?
God gave Abraham a promise-of land and a son which he received by faith. He continued to trust to God although at some point he failed. Now, when am required to wait for God's promise, how is my attitude? Oh, on this, God we need to talk, Gen 15:1-6; 16.
So, in Gen 17:9-27, at God's command Abraham circumcised every male in his household. Wait a minute! Did he even understand the significance? Has God ever instructed you to do something that sounded ridiculous? In such occasions, can I act in obedience? What if it doesn't make sense?
Gen 18:1-8, imagine having a siesta one sunny afternoon then some strangers decide to show up at your home unannounced? What's your possible attitude and reaction? Can I/do I sacrifice my siesta to practice loving hospitality to the starngers? Well, there are times I am pissed off and I grumble in my heart.
Gen 18:22-33, Lot selfishly chose the best well-watered plain but now, it's doomsday! Will Abraham be eager to see Lot punished for his selfishness? Actually, uncle cared. He prayed for sinful Sodom. Do I care for people in spite of their sinfulness or am I eager to see them suffer/punished for their blunders! Let me do a soul search!
In Gen 20:1-17, uncle lied about his relationship with his wife. When you find yourself between a rock and hard place, do you tell a white lie in order to save yourself or do you tell nothing but the whole truth? When confronted about the lie do you confess or cover up your sin? Eeh, there are times my tendency has been to cover up instead of confessing and repenting. Sometimes, I have even been economical with apologies.
In Gen 21:22-34, you remember that uncle Abe lied to Aking Abimelek? His trust was severed. Given another chance, Abraham had to make his word be his bond. Now, I am a talker, I am wondering, can people take my word to the bank? Do people depend on my words and promises? Wah! There are times I have made promises that I wasn't able to deliver. How do I save myself?
Finally, the ultimate pop quiz! Abraham has to sacrifice his only son, the one he loves, Gen 22:1-22! If God is to ask for my most valued resource, how be the attitude of my heart and reaction? Will I hesitate?
Some pop quizes are tricky-de.
Yours faithful scribbler,
NzakuNashipae
NzakuNashipae
© Jesus loves you
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