Christian Living
…and Abram heeded the voice of …
Gen 16:2
Sound familiar? Echoes of Eden toll with clarion clarity as Genesis 16 opens. God had spoken to Abram, revealing promise as countless as the stars, and Abram heeds … the voice of Sarai.
Pregnant truths resound on these ancient pathways, pathways differing little from mine.
God’s word of blessing surround Abram yet, starry hosts beyond measure still rests overhead, and though Abrambelieved God – though the Almighty counted it for righteousness, the fruit of sin still dwelt in Abram’s camp … waiting upon his wife.
How can one look upon Hagar and not feel God’s compassion? How can one stumble through her desert sands and not learn God’s mercy? How can one sit with her beside fountains of water that don’t satisfy and not understand God seeks and saves those who are lost?
Hagar’s presence, though a recipient now of God’s grace and manifold blessings, remained doubt’s messenger. Abram believed God, but the fruit of doubt abided in the camp, ministering unto Sarai, weaving its tentacles into untended soil. And it led to the only place doubt can ever lead … away from faith.
Sin doesn’t need a very big door. A single step, an innocent nod to sight’s subtle reasoning, harboring doubt because of its familiarity and its meeting of your needs. So simple, and the next thing you know you’re reaping an eternal harvest of trials and tribulations.
What a picture of my journey. Faith and doubt can’t be travel companions. Their divergent roads lead to differing destinies … only one into the fullness of the Lord’s blessing. God never calls me to Egypt! Sin runs rampant in that sight-soil, and as redeemed as God’s grace makes companions I may pick up there, a harvest of sorrow always remains to remind me to stay faith’s course.
I know Egypt’s land, my feet have a will of their own walking me down that familiar road. But you know, there’s something glorious about God’s pursuit of Hagar. It turned Hagar around, redirecting her steps. She could no longer be at homein Egypt. Hagar encountered the God Who Sees Me, and discovered new lands aflow with living waters.
© 24 January 2006
DeAnna L. Brooks
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There is much to be learned here. I pray that He tunes my heart to His, as I am tired of living in Egypt and in bondage. He offers life abundantly and joy unspeakable if I just hear and obey. Thanks.
Wonderful insight. Keep it up.
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