Abraham

Abraham has always been one of my heroes. Perhaps it started because I wanted to be rich like him. But Abraham viewed his riches as simply possessions, nothing to compare with his relationship with God.

I’ve been thinking lately about what Abraham actually did. Not that much, really. He didn’t slay any dragons. He was in one battle, and won it, but God doesn’t share any of the details. Really, all he did was to get up and put one foot in front of the other in response to God’s leading. When he started out, he didn’t even know where God was taking him. But he trusted that God had his best interest in mind.

The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. Genesis 12:1-3

If you knew that God was planning to bless you, where would you be willing to go? What would you be willing to try? Hey, that’s a good line to use for potential counselors, isn’t it? God has our best interest in mind. He proved it in sending His Son!

He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Romans 8:32 

Abraham got up, put one foot in front of the other. Though it was certainly a giant step of faith, it was no great achievement. God did the work. God provided the blessing. God built the nation. Abraham and Sarah couldn’t even have a baby by natural means or by their own power. But they could walk by faith.

That’s what I love about doing camp. That’s why I haven’t missed a summer in 25 years. We just show up, and watch what God does. Yes, we do a lot of planning and preparing; it is important to know what games are we going to play and who is going to sleep in what cabin. Things will go a lot better if we care for the details. But it is God who does the work. He is the one who pours out the blessing.

The marvelous thing about God – when we are faithful in following Him, not only do we receive blessings, so do the peoples around us. His blessings spill over. God’s intention is to bless as many as will receive it. He never blesses one at the expense of another. His blessings never come with unintended consequences or negative side effects. In His awesome wisdom God works for the good of all, all at the same time.

Abraham was already “blessed” before he ever got up to follow. He had large flocks, a crew of servants, a thriving business. He could’ve been content with what he had already. We have a pretty good life here in America. We could easily be content with the good things that we already have. Abraham believed that God had more in mind. Let’s not forget that God has more in mind for us. Eternal Life! Sins forgiven! Relationship with Him! A huge family of faith! Purpose for living! Perfect peace!

Another marvelous thing about walking with Him – we are most blessed when we most pass on the blessing. God will “fill my cup” with blessing when I need, but when I start passing it on, it’s like getting a garden hose full of blessing – a never ending supply!

I pray for camp this summer, that I will get to be part of God’s garden hose, sharing His blessings with the kids who come.

May God bless you in your thinking and planning and praying.

Yours,

Steve G