The Call to Follow

During Week 1, we will address the following subject matters, focusing on biblical truths which give direction to our lives:

Day 1: “God Calls—We Follow” focuses on single moms who will be taught biblical truths with regard to the Lord’s call. Ladies will be instructed that God is the One who calls, and their role is simply to pray, listen, obey, and follow.

Day 2: “Our Egypt” discusses truths which will be imparted to mothers about the importance of advancing in their journeys instead of retreating when faced with difficulties.

Day 3: “Returning to Our First Love” highlights how single moms will be taught to return to Jesus should they ever find themselves drifting from their intimacy with God due to the busyness of life, embracing a prodigal lifestyle, and so forth.

Day 4: “An Eternal Perspective on Conflicts” will teach the ladies in brief biblical truths how to relate to conflicts and how to handle them biblically.

Day 5: “Walking on Our Inheritance” will help single moms reflect once more on previous certainties taught throughout the week while being challenged to arise and walk with God in His foundational promises for their lives.

Day 1: God Calls—We Follow

I was riding home from college one day when the Lord brought to mind a particular church in Northwest Alabama. Uncertain as to God’s reasoning behind such an impression, I reflected on that ministry for the remainder of the trip. Surprisingly my heart was being drawn to a church I knew nothing about.

After arriving at home, I made some phone calls to inquire about the congregation God had placed upon my heart. To my dismay, I was told the doors of the church were about to close. In fact, a total of fourteen people had decided it was time to dissolve the church because of the congregation’s decline.

Weeks later, I found myself sitting in a room at a home, listening to a member describe the many prayers offered to God on behalf of the congregation. The woman stated, “Shea, we were praying on this side of the county for God to send help. As you were coming home from a long distance, He spoke to you about our need, and here you are.” Clearly God was intervening on behalf of His Church while calling out various individuals to join Him. What appeared to be a hopeless situation was about to turn into an unforgettable journey of rebuilding.

Over time, more people started attending worship and serving in areas of leadership. New classes were started as well as choirs for both youth and adults. Finally, the day came when a pastor was called to lead the church. God was truly at work in the hearts of His congregation, and He was certainly at work within mine. While serving His people in this place, God called me to the ministry. I answered His leading to be in full-time Christian service and made my calling public while standing before the small congregation. This call was an unforeseen outcome of my earlier obedience, an outcome I never saw coming.

Nothing is more humbling than being called by God. A sense of amazement overwhelms the heart of the one called, for God has chosen him or her to carry out His will. This opportunity to follow a loving Savior elicits joy as well. Throughout God’s Word, we read of countless individuals who received an invitation to follow God and join Him in His work. Some struggled with the call, while others immediately obeyed. Take a few moments to read about the calls of Amos, Jeremiah, and Jesus’ earliest disciples.

Amos’s Example: Amos 7:14-15

Then Amos replied to Amaziah, “I am not a prophet, nor am I the son of a prophet; for I am a herdsman and a grower of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock and the Lord said to me, ‘Go prophesy to My people Israel.’”

According to verse 14, what was Amos’ trade?
What did the Lord take Amos from and what did He call him to do?

Jeremiah’s Example: Jeremiah 1:4-10

According to verse 5, when did God call Jeremiah?
What did the Lord appoint Jeremiah to do? Did he respond to God’s call in fear or in faith?
According to verses 7–8, what encouragement did God give Jeremiah in regard to his uncertainty?
According to verse 9, how did God equip Jeremiah for the task He had called him to?

Peter and Andrew’s Example: Matthew 4:18-22

What work did Peter and Andrew do when they received the call from Jesus to follow Him?
How did both men respond?

Notice verse 19: “And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Go back and circle the invitation, “Follow Me.” Next, underline the promise, “I will make you fishers of men.” Jesus’ call to Peter and Andrew was first to “follow Him.” They never had to concern themselves over where they would be going, for Jesus already had their direction mapped out and their voyage set. They were first and foremost called to follow. Second, Jesus assured both men that He would make them “fishers of men.”

An important truth to remember in regard to one’s calling: Jesus is the One who equips His children for Kingdom building; through His Word, His Spirit and by various other means. What a relief to know that whenever God calls us to undertake a task, He equips us for that task.

A calling always precedes a journey. This calling directs God’s children to the path which He has already ordained for them. Unique and yet at times difficult, these routes are always aligned with God’s unique purpose for each individual life. In addition, the obedient walking of these paths will always require death to self and surrender to Christ.

Thousands of years ago, God placed a special calling on a man to embark upon a voyage that would entail moments of victory, failure, and blessings. Join me as we examine Abram’s call as well as his God-appointed journey.

Read Genesis 12:1-4.

Look once more at Genesis 12:1. Where did God call Abram from?
What information did God give Abram with regard to where He was leading him?
List all the promises God made to Abram in verses 2–3.
Reread verse 4a: “So Abram went forth as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him.” According to this passage of scripture, how did Abram “go forth”?

Even though Abram did not possess all the facts, he moved forward—not by sight but by faith in God’s character and His spoken Word.

How old was Abram when God called him to this new journey?

Read Genesis 12:5-9.

What was the name of Abram’s wife?
According to verse 7, how did the Lord encourage Abram?

Reread Genesis 12:8:

Then he proceeded from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east; and there he built an altar to the Lord and called upon the name of the Lord.

According to verse 8, what three important actions did Abram take?

Abram was residing in the land of promise. He had settled in, built an altar to God, and entered into a time of prayer and worship. He was thankful for his journey, in love with the One who ordained it, and in awe of the promises made to him.

In closing, I want us to recall several important factors about Abram’s calling and journey while prayerfully applying these truths to our own journey.

It was God who called Abram to a particular path, not Abram who called God to his.
He immediately obeyed the call to “follow” without demanding to know all the specifics of his journey.
He walked by faith instead of by sight.
He did not allow fear of the unknown to keep him from traveling his course.
He continued to move according to God’s Word, not his own emotions.
He sought the Lord’s guidance and honored Him through worship.
He realized early on who was in charge of his course.

Sisters, may we apply the same principles to God’s calling on our lives. Let us move forward with an unwavering faith, following God’s leading as we walk our God-ordained paths.

Day 2: Our Egypt

While driving to college one day, I passed a house where several family members were playing in the front yard. At the precise moment that I noticed the scene, my heart was completely drawn to this appealing image. The family seemed happy and appeared to be safe. By contrast, my situation at the time was one that involved great distress. How in the world had my family arrived at such a place?

In the midst of this circumstance, fear had so engulfed my life that running appeared to be the best solution. With circumstances spiraling out of control, I decided to return to a place I felt would be safe in order to escape the current problem. However, in all truthfulness, it was an area from which God had removed me years prior with no call to return.

For a time, my new dwelling became my Egypt—the place I retreated to for safety and security instead of going to God. Yet, what I turned to for security, God regarded as wrong. I was living in complete disobedience. Misery soon followed, and a severe restlessness invaded my soul. My peace had long since evaporated. In time, and through God’s grace and intervention, He would bring me back to the area He had given to both my children and me to dwell.

During our journeys, periods will occur when our very own Egypts will beckon us to return. It may appear in the form of ungodly friendships attempting to draw us back to our past or as old behaviors bidding us to compromise. When such moments arise, it is wise to allow God to answer their summons.

In the biblical narrative of Genesis 12, Abram had both arrived and settled in the land of Canaan. However, when a famine swept over the land, the man of God reacted in fear instead of responding in faith. His response to this crisis drove him to seek refuge in Egypt.

Let us pick back up today with Genesis 12:10-20.

According to verse 10, what events motivated Abram to flee to Egypt?
Can you remember a time when you allowed a crisis to drive you away from the will of God? If so, what was the result?
After arriving in Egypt, what specific matter concerned Abram?
In what ways did he attempt to manipulate the situation for his benefit? What resulted from his course of action?
According to verse 16, what gifts were bestowed on Abram? How did God intervene in the crises caused by Abram?
Who scolded Abram for his deception?

Do you remember the highlights from day one? Consider some additional insights from today’s text:

Abram did not trust God to provide for his family in the land to which God had moved him.
He ran to Egypt where he sought security.
After fleeing, he was met by yet another obstacle.

However, instead of trusting the Lord to take care of him, he lied to protect himself, putting his wife in danger.

At this point in Abram’s journey, his response was quite different. For a time, not only did his journey take him in a different direction, but so did his faith. At the beginning of Abram’s journey, God was in control. However, as time passed, Abram had taken more control as he attempted to plot his own course.

Often, when a crisis comes, it can affect many aspects of our journeys if handled in an unbiblical manner. I remember being called to a particular place to serve. At first it was wonderful, and I enjoyed my work. Yet, over a period of time, I became the target of another person’s attacks. One day, as the individual confronted me once again, I said to God, It’s never going to change, and I ran. However, weeks after I made the decision, God began to convict my heart. He showed me clearly that I had left the situation prematurely instead of allowing Him to intervene. My journey had been altered because of my lack of trust in God and because I had trusted in my own understanding of what needed to happen. I ran to my very own personalized Egypt.

Our Egypt

Places that appear safe and appealing. In his article, “Hagar the Egyptian: A Note on the Allure of Egypt in the Abraham Cycle,” Iain Duguid states, “The Egyptian option, while apparently attractive, always leads to disaster in the long run.”^{^[1]}

During our journeys, we will always encounter difficult periods. How we respond in such moments is crucial. Leaving a God-assigned place to find temporary relief in our Egypt can produce devastating consequences. Even though the Lord showed grace to Abram and his family while they stayed in Egypt, Abram would leave that place, bearing consequences that would last a lifetime.

Look back at Genesis 12:16. While residing in Egypt, Abram gained both “male and female” servants. In light of Genesis 16:1, this may have been the time when Abram acquired a young woman named Hagar. If so, we will see in Week 2 additional consequences of Abram’s journey to Egypt.

Are you currently residing in Egypt? If so, briefly explain how you came to such a place.

We never have to run from our circumstances. If you have currently found yourself in Egypt, you do not have to stay there. God in His love and grace will move you to the place He has for you to dwell if you allow Him to take the lead.

Day 3: Returning to Our First Love

While lying on my bed one evening, I began to read the Word of God. I found myself drawn to the story of Boaz and Ruth. As I read the book of Ruth, I was overcome by a strong sense of God’s love for me. I had never felt so safe and so cherished.

At this particular time, I was mired in a pit of sin. Yet, instead of returning to my Father, I continued down the same sinful path until God’s redeeming love collided with my rebellion, and my sinful lifestyle came to a halt.

In brokenness and repentance, I knelt before the Lord in the middle of my den. Instead of running from Him, I ran back to Him. I returned to my first love, to a place I had longed to reside.

As we discussed on day two, Abram left the Promised Land during a famine in order to travel to Egypt. Yet, the Lord would not allow him to remain there. Let us pick up today’s reading in Genesis 13:1-4.

So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him, and Lot with him. Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

Go back to verse 1 and underline, “went up from Egypt.”

Now, look once more at verse 3 to the underlined words: “He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai.” Abram was on his way back to God’s appointed place for him, the place where He had previously settled, worshipped, and called upon God.

The Beginning

Do you remember those sweet times with the Lord when you first accepted Him as Savior? Do you recall seasons where you got off-track, yet repented, only to be brought once again into a right relationship with Him? Abram had not only returned to his rightful place; he had also returned to the will of God.

According to verse 4, what important action did he take after arriving back in the land of Canaan?

Returning to Our First Love

I want us to look at Revelation 2:1-7. Take time and ponder God’s message in this passage.

Jim Wicker stated,

These letters to the seven churches (chs. 2-3) are from Jesus and recorded by John. Each one begins with a beautiful description of Jesus from Rev. 1:13-20. The first letter is to the Ephesus Church, and it describes Jesus as holding “the seven stars” in His “right hand” and walking among “seven golden lampstands” (2:1). What does this mean? Revelation is full of meaningful symbols, and most of them are described in the verses around them (their context). In 1:20 we read that the stars are the “angels of the seven churches” and “the lampstands are the seven churches.” The Greek word for angel [angelos] can also mean “messenger.” Since each of the seven letters are written to the “angel” of each church—that most likely means the pastor. Jesus walks among the churches and holds the pastors in His right hand (the place of power). He is at work among us, cares for us, and has plans for us!^{^[2]}

Review verses 2 and 3. Take a few moments and underline the encouraging attributes the Lord affirms in His people’s behavior (the Church).

In the midst of all the good the Lord notices within His Church, what is the number one concern He expresses in verse 4?

Wicker continued,

Jesus mentioned some great deeds of the Ephesian church—they had an exemplary past (vv. 2-3). For someone visiting their church, they likely looked outwardly impressive. They appeared to be a noteworthy church in a very important city. But Jesus knew they had inward problems. They were going through the motions but doing so with wrong attitudes and an improper focus. Verse four says they had left their first love (Jesus). Imagine that! They seemed to be serving Jesus, but they forgot about Him. That is like giving a birthday party but neglecting to invite the honoree.^{^[3]}

When a single mother finds herself drifting as a result of rebellion or stagnant due to the busyness of life, God will always point to the heart of the matter.

First Samuel 16 records a story about a prophet named Samuel. God sent him on a mission to anoint the next king of Israel. Yet even though Samuel had no idea who the appointed man would be, he followed God’s call and moved forward in obedience to His instructions.

And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ You shall invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you.” (1 Samuel 16:2-3)

Go back and underline, “you shall anoint for Me the one whom I designate to you.”

Samuel arrived at the location where the Lord directed him, and the search for the next king of Israel began. As Jessie’s sons entered the room, Samuel’s eyes settled on Eliab. Immediately he concluded that the young man was the Lord’s chosen vessel because of his outward appearance. However, he could not have been more wrong. Notice the Lord’s response to the prophet’s assumption: “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Go back and highlight, “for God sees not as man sees.” According to God, at what does man look?
Go back and underline, “but the Lord looks at the heart.” How does this passage of scripture speak to you personally?

Revelation 2 describes the Church of Ephesus as a body that engaged in a lot of great deeds. Yet something was missing, and Jesus knew what it was. He drew their attention to the true condition of their hearts.

I remember the day a friend reached out asking for prayer. “My heart is numb,” she stated. “I don’t know what is wrong.” As I prayed with her and for her, Revelation 2:4 came to mind. My sister in Christ had left her first love. Yet, little did she realize that He had never once left her. He was awaiting her return.

According to Revelation 2:5, what three tasks did Jesus give to the Ephesian Church? (1) To “remember” from where they had fallen, (2) to “repent,” and (3) to “do the deeds” that they “did at first.”

Wicker explains, “Proverbs 28:13 covers the first two actions and can be summarized as admit it and quit it.’ You are to remember your sin and own up to it. Next, you must turn away from that sin and turn to Christ. This is what it means to repent. Finally, you are to serve Christ like you used to before you left your first love.”^{^[4]}

How can you apply verse 5 to your life?

Valentine’s Day has always been a little hard for me. I imagine it is for many people. However, on one particular holiday, it became quite special. On this precise Valentine’s Day, I headed out early for a quick workout and to run a few errands. It was a beautiful sunny day, so I took my time, went out to eat, and then walked leisurely through a stunning college campus. As I prepared for the stroll, a particular song came to my mind: “Take Me to the King.” Over the next forty-five minutes, the Holy Spirit poured into my soul as I listened repeatedly to the lyrics.

After returning from these daily activities, I pulled into my driveway on the seminary campus. As I started texting many single moms to wish them a Happy Valentine’s Day, my attention was caught by a scene that perfectly illustrated the holiday, one which I watched from a distance.

A young woman walked over to greet what appeared to be either her boyfriend or her husband as he waited on the curb, holding a single red rose. He looked up at her with a face reflecting so much love for his lady. As she reached out to take his special gift, no words were needed on her behalf. Her face conveyed it all. I smiled to myself while turning away to give them privacy in their special moment.

As I sat in my car, I was granted a moment of my own. I began to ponder the love of God as I sensed His very near presence. In that instant, there was no rose, no balloon, and no box of candy. Instead, in its place was something much greater. A peace overtook any worries or concerns that attempted to disquiet my heart. A deep-rooted joy was present that only God Himself could bestow, and there was a heart spilling over with love from my One and only Valentine, Jesus. This One who gave His life on a cross so that a world could know Him as Savior, met me in a way I would never forget. No number of roses could have matched what I was given on this day from the One who created love, from the One who is love.

Where do you find yourself today? Are you at the feet of Jesus or overwhelmed with numerous tasks? Are you living victoriously for Him, or are you knee-deep in unrepentant sin? Are you preoccupied with a ministry task or seeking to know Him more? Today, if you have left your first love, your Father is awaiting your return. He is only a prayer away (Revelation 2:5).

Day 4: An Eternal Perspective on Conflicts

Throughout our journey, conflicts are certain to arise. Feelings will be hurt, friendships will come and go, and people whom we deemed “trustworthy” may betray us. Yet, the way we respond to such conflicts will either reflect a loving Savior or a deceitful enemy. Our reactions to others can leave wonderful impacts or devastating consequences.

I remember one particular period when a certain individual caused some hardship in my life. Instead of confronting the person in grace and in love, I ignored the attack and moved on. However, I did more than just overlook a hurt. I completely disregarded the person who had caused the pain.

I had no idea at the time that my behavior toward the lady was being observed by a young Christian woman. One day while she and I were visiting, she made a comment about how I had dealt with people who had hurt me. Her description of my behavior revealed an area that did not reflect Jesus or His love to others. To my surprise, the young lady had been impacted negatively by my behavior.

By contrast, a pastor’s wife walked into a sanctuary one evening to attend a church function. As she was fellowshipping with other believers, she responded graciously to someone’s negative comment. The disgruntled speaker was quickly offended and lashed out. The pastor’s wife responded with grace and in gentleness. In front of others, she quickly apologized to the woman she had offended. When I heard the story, I was greatly impacted by the woman’s response. She humbled herself before others and allowed her Father to control her reaction, thereby bringing glory to His name instead of calling attention to herself.

People constantly observe our behavior. They watch how we respond to hurtful comments. They notice whether we withdraw or express grace to those who have wounded us. Therefore, we must understand the importance of holding to an eternal perspective in conflicts in order to first and foremost glorify our Savior, as well as to reflect Him to those who are watching.

Let us pick back up today with the story of Abram. On day three, we studied his return from Egypt to the land of Canaan. Today, we will look at yet another trial he encountered. Read Genesis 13:5-13.

According to verses 5–6, what problem had developed between the herdsmen?

Use verse 7 to describe the conflict.

At this point in the passage, we see only the surface of the problem. God had blessed both Abram and Lot with great possessions. However, the particular section of land they dwelt in could no longer hold both families and their belongings. Therefore, a solution to the problem was necessary: one which resulted in God being glorified, one which required a dying to self and personal rights, and one which reflected a genuine love for a brother in the Lord.

Who took the initiative to rectify the situation? Abram or Lot?

Notice Abram’s humble plea to Lot in response to the crises: “Please let there be no strife between you and me, nor between my herdsmen and your herdsmen” (Genesis 13:8). How many friendships, relationships, and family ties could be mended today if we approached differences the way Abram did? Never once did he demand his own way or attempt to blame anyone for the contention. Instead, he put the needs of others before his own in order to make peace (Romans 12:18). Though friction had occurred, Abram reminded his nephew of a very important truth:“We are brothers.”

How many times do we go through life cultivating bitterness instead of taking measures to mend wounds? How often do we look at those in the Christian faith as enemies instead of as brothers and sisters in Christ? Abram had an eternal view as he dealt with this dispute. My friends, we must do the same when we face conflicts.

In order to settle the strife, what suggestion did Abram offer Lot?

Did you notice how Abram put his nephew’s well-being before his own? Take a look at Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”

What is the Philippians text instructing us to do?
In what areas can you apply these truths to your life?

Following Abram’s stance, a separation took place between him and Lot (Genesis 13:11). However, Lot was still a part of Abram’s family, and they remained in good fellowship. Abram settled in Canaan, while Lot chose Sodom. Yet, Abram never once stopped loving his nephew. In fact, after Lot established himself in Sodom, a war broke out, and he was taken captive (Genesis 14). When this happened, Abram came to his rescue, rallying troops to bring his nephew home. There is never a greater time when a Christian reflects Christ than when he loves another person who, for various reasons, may be hard to love.

Do you have relationships in your life that involve conflict? If so, how can today’s lesson help you look at this discord through a different lens? Going forward, how might you respond differently to those who cause disputes? Invite God to step on the scene of your struggles. You may be surprised at the outcome once He intervenes.

I want to conclude today’s lesson with the following encouragements and biblical admonition. In the book, Resolving Conflict Christ’s Way, Robert D. Jones states,

What does Romans 12:18 teach about resolving conflicts? First, you are responsible to live at peace with others. The command is clear; the responsibility is yours. Jesus imposes the same duty in His teaching, and He commands you to take the initiative in reconciling relationships. Whether you are the offending party (Matt. 5:23-26) or the offended party (Matt. 18:15-17; Luke 17:3-4), Christ calls you to go to the other person, to interface with him. The fact that these texts also call the other person to go to you must not excuse your delay (“he started it, let him come to me”). You are not responsible for his actions; you are responsible for yours—“as far as it depends on you.” Let nothing derail your pursuit of peace.^{^[5]}

REMEMBER: In obtaining an eternal view on conflicts, I leave you with the following counsel:

Invite God to step on the scene of your conflict, while applying Proverbs 3:5-6 to your life.
Seek the mind of God in regard to the conflict, and ask Him to help you view the dispute through His lens.
Pray for wisdom and direction on how to best approach the discord (James 1:5).
Spend time searching the scriptures to learn of God’s truths in regard to conducting offenses biblically.
Wait on the Lord’s instructions before moving forward to handle the situation (Psalm 27:13-14; Isaiah 64:4).
Above all else, seek the glory of God in and through the entire matter (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17).

Day 5: Walking on Our Inheritance

This week we discussed the many aspects of Abram’s journey. We were inspired by his obedience to God and enamored with a faith that led him to follow God’s summons to an unknown future. We were stirred by the moments of crises yet alerted to valuable lessons, which aid us in our own personal journeys. We were elated by his return to the inherited land, while encouraged by God’s grace in the midst of wrong turns. Furthermore, we were impacted by his behavior in conflict as he put another person’s needs above his own. All of these life-changing applications can inform our journey.

Quick Recap of This Week’s Lessons

Your Calling

God has a special calling on your life. Though His design may include various experiences you never envisioned, you can always trust in His sovereign plan. As He directs your course, be obedient to His directions, even though you may not understand His guiding hand. God will always grant you His best, though at times His best may come with periods of suffering.

As God’s calling on your life unfolds, trust in His timing to bring everything together for His glory and for your good. In addition, remember it is the Lord’s great pleasure to use you for His kingdom work.

“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” (John 15:16)

Egypt

Crises are sure to come to those who follow Christ. The way in which we deal with such periods can affect our journeys either for good or for bad. Remember, when the going gets tough—and it surely will—determine now to run to God instead of to your Egypt.

There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Returning to Your First Love

As you journey onward, you may find yourself busy with day-to-day activities that fill your time as you drift away from spending time with your Father. Or you may observe that you have been delighting more in your calling than in your relationship with Jesus or even running from your appointed path to one that looks more appealing. Nonetheless, no matter where you find yourself in this journey, Jesus longs to have you back with Him, on the path He has appointed for you to travel. Instead of running from Him, run to your first love who will never turn you away.

But in their distress they turned to the Lord God of Israel, and they sought Him, and He let them find Him. (2 Chronicles 15:4)

Conflicts

As you live life, you will face periods of conflict with family members, friends, and even acquaintances. Yet, no matter where conflicts arise, it is imperative that we handle each encounter from a biblical perspective.

The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth. (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

When it comes to conflict, here are two great reminders. First, we must understand the love of God. In the book, The Peace Maker, author Ken Sande states the following: “The more you understand God’s love and power, the easier it is to trust him. And the more you trust him, the easier it is to do his will. This is especially true when you are involved in conflict. If you believe that God is watching over you with perfect love and unlimited power, you will be able to serve him faithfully as a peacemaker, even in the most difficult circumstances.”^{^[6]}

The second reminder is, when dealing with conflicts, to live under the cross in our actions and in our view of others is a must. For when we do, we will reflect the Lord Jesus, bringing glory to His name.

In closing, I want us to glean from another aspect of Abram’s journey. Read Genesis 13:14-18:

The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever. I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if anyone can number the dust of the earth, then your descendants can also be numbered. Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” Then Abram moved his tent and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and there he built an altar to the Lord.

Reread verse 14, paying close attention to the underlined words. “The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him.” The Lord had Abram’s full attention. His focus was no longer on disagreements but instead on his heavenly Father. His ears were open, and his heart ready to receive all that God had to say in regard to his life.

Notice the instructions spoken to Abram at the beginning of verse 14: “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are.” Abram was being called to envision an inheritance that extended way beyond what he inhabited; one he could have never imagined in his own mind. This inheritance and its associated promises would bless not only Abram but also his descendants for generations to come.

According to verses 15–16, what promises did God make to Abram?

Oftentimes, God will reveal a specific promise in His Word or remind us of the ones He has previously given. We may be in the midst of a difficult situation or engaging in daily routines, as Abram was. The question is, will we believe God, even though the circumstances surrounding us appear to contradict His assurances? Abram never lived to see all that God had promised. Yet that did not stop him from believing. God brought to fruition every promise He had made to Abram. Abram’s job was to walk according to God’s commands rather than by sight.

Review verse 17: “Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you.” God was calling Abram to “arise” and “walk” on his inheritance.

How did Abram respond to God’s invitation?

In closing, I want to draw your attention to the word arise in verse 14. The command required Abram to move forward as an inheritor to the promises of God. The same message God gave to Abram applies to us today. We must arise and walk on our inheritance, the foundational truths of God’s promises. This obedient act will always be a part of our journey’s responsibility, adjacent with blessings we will not want to miss.

Remember, our journeys are wrapped with God’s unique callings. He calls us into being; He calls us to salvation; He calls us to join Him in His work of kingdom building; He calls us to follow Him, to trust Him, and to move forward with Him by faith and not by sight.

To be called by God is never to be taken lightly but instead embraced with an unwavering trust in a loving Father who has only our best in mind. Our journeys will not always be easy, but it is with certainty they will always be in God’s hands. Remember, behind each call unfolds a wonderful plan, leading to your amazing destiny. Onward, sister. Much awaits you.

^{^[1]} Iain Duguid, “Hagar the Egyptian: A Note on the Allure of Egypt in the Abraham Cycle,” Westminster Theological Journal 56, no. 2 (Fall 1994): 420. Used with permission.

^{^[2]} Jim Wicker, professor at SWBTS, personal communication, 2018, at the writer’s request. Used with permission.

^{^[3]} Wicker, personal communication.

^{^[4]} Wicker, personal communication.

^{^[5]} Robert D. Jones, “Resolving Conflict Christ’s Way,” Journal of Biblical Counseling 19, no. 1 (Fall 2000): 13. For further study, see his book, Pursuing Peace: A Christian Guide to Handling Our Conflicts (Crossway, 2012). Used with permission.

^{^[6]} Ken Sande, The Peace Maker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2004), 59. Used with permission.

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