After you finish reading today’s scriptures, come back and use the blurb and question here to dig deeper into the themes of faith, hope, obedience, and suffering. Join your fellow Bible readers in the comments to reflect and chat about what you’re learning!
While wandering far from his homeland and disputing with his family, Abraham’s faith is expressed in His endurance. His faith in God gave him hope as he looked ahead to what God was building.
What can you learn from Abraham’s response to God in today’s reading?
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178 thoughts on "By Faith Abraham Stayed"
It’s all in God’s perfect timing and I need to trust that 100%.
Trust in the lord no matter what and no matter what others say! I need to be more obedient and trust more❤️
We may not always see the results of our obedience and trust in God, but the now will affect the future and we can have faith that God will keep his promises
Seeing how these men and women walked out their faith despite what others said about them is very inspiring. Makes me want to dig deeper to see what God has in store for me.
Abraham was full of complete trust and obedience. He prioritized unity in his family.
The grace of God over Abraham is incredible. It is by grace that Abraham was even able to have a faith that was sustained through sojourning in a foreign land (without owning any of it at this point in the story), leaving what he had always known (who he had always done life with), and trusting God with everything. He left not knowing where he was going, how long it would take or what would happen along the way. And his years of sojourning, all that he thought/felt are not captured fully in scripture- but no doubt he had days where he doubted, wrestled with God calling him away, the amount time it was taking for God’s promises to be fulfilled, etc.
And yet- he continued to choose to trust in the character and nature of God! Such a great reminder- when the journey isn’t going the way it’s supposed to, or I thought it would, I can always choose to trust in the character of God!
This makes me think of how going to church is generational and why it’s so important to go and to take your children so they will also grow in this way.
Knowing God always keeps his promises should be enough for us to trust him with all of our heart
Always listen to God and know that God always keeps his promise
Abraham’s faith and trust in what the Lord tells him is inspiring. He left what was comfortable and good to him to seek the unknown and probably uncomfortable so that the Lord could fulfill his promises. He did this without complaint. WOW.
I have realized over the last several weeks that I have been fighting with what feels good to me, for the worry of the unknown. It is time that I surrender my will so that His will can be fulfilled for my family. Whatever that is. Let my faith arise!
This hit me that my obedience may not always affect my now but may affect the future generations of my family. Our actions always affect more than just us. Lord help me stay faithful and obedient even when it is hard.
Something that occurred to me is that everywhere Abraham went, we built an altar to the Lord. He didn’t mope about how he had to uproot his life again, he didn’t complain about the journey, he built an altar to the Lord.
Amen
God will always answer his promise. I just need to keep having faith being positive and know that’s it’s coming…. Believing that I am in the right place at the right time.
I want a faith that I’m just at peace with every step and I don’t worry or have any doubts or stress of the what ifs
Abraham was a foreigner in the land of promise. God had already told him all the land would belong to his offspring. But this hadn’t been realized yet. It makes me think of the already and not yet. We have already been promised salvation and our place in God’s kingdom is secure. But we’re not with God yet. We are still here, living by faith, like Abraham, believing we will see God’s promises fulfilled.
“Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.” (Gen. 13:2) It occurred to me this morning that Abram was well off and maybe even very comfortable where he was before God called him. I find my own prayers are often enthusiastic when asking for God to call me out of and uncomfortable circumstance (from anxiety to peace, from financial struggle to stability, from sadness to joy, etc.). And I know those prayers are good! But, what about when God calls me from comfort to discomfort? From familiar to foreign? I am not nearly as eager. My prayer this morning is that my faith will increase so that wherever God leads, I will follow.
It’s been lovely reading the chats and learning from this study and from y’all for the last couple weeks! I’m newly returning to the Word and SRT is totally helping me make a habit that can become my lifestyle. I regret that I let myself get too busy with earthly things, but made a recommitment to God that I would spend time in the word and journaling every day. I want to share a praise – I love calendaring and journaling and I spend a lot of time making lists… just after I recommitted to reading the Bible, I won lil IG giveaway from my favorite stationary company and they sent me a box full of goodies like a new journal and pens
Alysia, congrats! you described me as well, i love journaling, so stationary, pens, color pencils, color pens and so on got me excited. So happy that you won so many goodies.
I find it interesting that Abraham built an altar to God after doing what he was told.
Abraham endured for so long. Not having a solid home but only a tent. Not knowing the future, but putting his trust in the Lord, allowing his heart to take courage in God’s promises. I pray to be like that. To patiently trust and look forward in hope, even though I don’t know the details of what is to come.
Amen! ❤️
Always wait for the Lord as he will always come
Abram trust in the Lord is admirable. God blessed him with his patience in waiting. How often are we asking God to make changes NOW when He is asking us to wait and have patience in HIS process. I think back to the times where we have been needing a miracle then and now.. and God sends us on a different journey that in the end works the miracle we were originally praying for. Glory to God. He works in wonderful ways, though we may not see it right now. We will in the future.
What can you learn from Abraham’s response to God in today’s reading?
Abraham kept his faith in God at the forefront of his mind. Even when he was in a new/hostile land and arguing with family he chose the “distance makes the heart grow fonder” route instead of heightening tensions. He had a plan that the Lord gave him and he wasn’t allowing anything to impede that. Abraham really teaches you that you have to listen, understand, and stay focused. Abraham heard the Lord, understood what he said, and made sure to keep focused on the task at hand even when there were obstacles standing in the way.
Took the words out of my mouth. I saw that Abraham took the high road. He wasn’t going to argue. He was faithful.
The one thing I have learned about living by faith is that it is much harder for me to “wait” when it concerns my children. You want to help them, to help God help them but you have to pray for them and trust God to work things out. Not an easy thing. I’m not sure why but God gifted me with faith at an early age but I am so grateful. Even though I had grown up in the church, I was “saved” at the age of 12. I never doubted for one minute that I was going to follow Him all my life. When I read Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewardewr of those who diligently seek Him.” Yep, that’s what I was going to do. Then I grew up….in and out of my walk with God. God is and has been so faithful to me in so many areas of my life. Even in the hard and hurting times. I’m so thankful for His mercy and grace. I heard a song yesterday for the first time. The Truth by Megan Woods. I encourage you to listen to it. I listened to it over and over with tears rolling down my face. I love how God can bring a song to your heart just when you need it. Happy Thursday sweet She’s.
Beautiful! I love that song as well!
Thanks for introducing me to that song, Cathy! ❤
I can learn from Abraham that there is purpose in the waiting. Also, that it take courage and faith to wait.
Abraham, who against hope believed in hope, so that he became the father of many nations. Today, the theme of faith in a lonely walk is highlighted for me. Even to the separation of family members, because of strife. Strife hinders faith. Strife hinders the growth. A line was drawn and the Word is sharp and piercing enough to separate. Separate yourself from me (Genesis 13:9), Abraham told Lot. And Lot made his way toward Sodom and its vicinity. And again, the lonely walk of faith is implied, with God, with the separation of family members heading their way toward the city of great sinners, with a destruction waiting. Anyone else walking this path of Abraham this day? Perhaps it is a painful path that only God can see and understand. The ancient truth shows up in modern day lives. Ancient mysteries in today’s crisis. But the Lord alone knows, we must each walk out our own salvation, the narrow path that is hard and difficult, but straight and never crooked, and only a few can find it.
That pulled at my heart strings. I am close to my family, so it makes me sad the thought of walking away or going different directions, but I know many have and also needed to.
Amen Rhonda. Part of me long to be with my “Lot” but the strife is just too much. Looking back, I feel comforted that the patriarchs of faith also had to deal with it. Love you sister.❤️
I appreciate your words, Mercy. Although we have not distanced ourselves from our son and his girlfriend per se, there is a sense of distance when they visit, because they are not holding onto the values that we have in the Lord. He turned from his faith in college and his girlfriend never had faith. We used to feel hurt by their distance, but now we understand it a bit better. We realized that his conscience was pricked when he was around us. He avoids us because we remind him of what he turned away from, so whenever they come, we continue to live out our faith without being pushy and keep praying.
wow, you described my situation too “We realized that his conscience was pricked when he was around us”, i used to blame it on myself (the devil surely fed me with these lies that i am the reason for the separation, family fall out)…thank you for sharing… so we can be set free. The separation is by nature between kingdom of darkness and kingdom of light. I learn from you so much!
We can’t always see what God is doing, but we can trust He is working for our good.
Amen.
In Gen. 13 it says that Abram was rich. That popped out at me. Abram must’ve been content and comfortable, where he was. However, when God called him to move he did so without question. He still had his riches, but he wasn’t worried about that. He was focused on what God was calling him to do. And not only did he move when God said move his faith in God helped him wait for the promise! Brings to mind Matthew 6:19-21 “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.” It’s very clear to me where Abram’s heart was. He was storing up heavenly treasures. Unconcerned with the earthly things. This doesn’t really answer the prompt lol but it jumped out at me in a big way this morning!
Thank you for sharing this insight, Leslie. Such a wonderful connection!
What can I learn from Abraham’s response? There is purpose in the waiting. Anything of substance takes time….it reminds me that when a caterpillar is ready to leave its cocoon after becoming a butterfly, it has to struggle & wait, struggle some more & wait some more before becoming free. If you help it along in the process, it will soon die because it didn’t gain the strength it needed to live, through the struggle.
Abraham didn’t lose faith and he didn’t lose heart. He trusted God, the life he lived showed it. He believed and waited.
To many times I’ve wanted something & I wanted it right now! But God – in His infinite wisdom, knew better than to answer according to my will. And like Abraham, I would have lost heart – unless I believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord.
It takes courage to wait, but through the waiting we are strengthened in our faith and in our walk with God.
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For all my dear sisters here, who are in “the waiting room” – don’t lose heart, wait – be of good courage. God sees, He hears, He knows. ❤️
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Have a blessed Thursday! Today we make our way home from Knoxville, with one overnight stay, praying for safe traveling mercies.
Hello Sharon.. how are the travels going? Thinking of you often and praying Gods amazing grace and loving arms around you both.. much love, sister! ❤️
Good morning Tina! (Oops – afternoon for you!)
We had a wonderful time in Knoxville, we are now on tbe road, headed for home. We have one overnight stay, & then, Lord willing will be back ho
W by tomorrow late afternoon . Thanks for asking, and for praying! ❤️
❤
What can you learn from Abraham’s response to God in today’s reading?
Abraham was willing to stay in the land of Canaan and give up the lushish green land to his nephew. He had faith that God had a plan and would carry out that plan. I wonder what Abraham’s (or even Sarah’s) thoughts and feelings were when they found out that all the land promised to them, wasn’t actually going to be theirs, but was going to be saved up for their descendents. We have a hard time waiting, but to wait and then get told that what is promised to you wasn’t going to come to you in your life time…oofda. At least God gave them a heads up XD (laughing emoji).
My take away is: whatever it is God has told me to do/go, I need to obey out of faith even if I don’t get to see or reap the outcome or blessings.
Abraham had a waiting faith but He was also obedient when called to go. I think the waiting gets us prepared for when God calls us to step out in faith.
A great quote I heard about Abraham – to experience more of God you have to leave where you are so you can go to where God is leading.
Remember when God called Abraham to leave, He didn’t tell Abraham his destination.
Praying for all of you! Thank you all for your insights! They mean so much to me!
Cheryl, I love that quote! Thanks for sharing.❤
Such a beautiful quote! ❤️
What can I add with all of your beautiful comments! We are a faithful, strong community, with our eyes gazing on Him, in the hard, in the wait, in the unknown.
It is not an easy journey, totally the opposite of unbelievers that can’t understand. My nephew once said that he thinks Christians believe to have something to lean on (even though God is not real), Well, we know that yes, it is exactly that, but a VERY REAL, POWERFUL, ALMIGHTY God! And he is our hope, our foundation, our everything! He gives us endurance, and peace, and a courageous heart! We can do ALL things through Christ that gives us strength, because He LIVES in us!! He carries us when we can’t carry ourselves. We live in a faithful expectation of a eternal kingdom where everything will be made right one day. Just like Abraham, we don’t know what our future looks like, but Jeremiah 19:11 says
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” That is a promise I can trust.
Prayer requests lifted as read!
Amen
Hello Shes
Abraham
never doubted
never downplayed
never dismissed
Abraham was
filled with integrity
fueled by Grace
fixed on the Promise
Abraham
cared for his nephew
continued to draw courage
carried out the will of God
Abraham
built altars to his Lord
because he believed
So will I
Amen GWINETH52!!❤
Endurance, perseverance, fortitude, tenacity, the resolve to press on in the unknown can get tiring. We can easily become weary and yet know that God is constant, faithfully present and leading our way. Our strength and hope come from Him.
Amen! ❤
It’s so easy for my faith to waiver with obstacles or changing circumstances. May God keep our eyes fixed on Him, the faithful promise keeper and architect of our eternal home with Him.
I have loved reading your responses. In my Bible next to Psalm 27:13-14 I have written several things I’ve prayed for through the years with dates beside them. Some answered. Some still praying. A reminder to wait on the Lord! His ways and timing are best, not my own!
Love this! I also love to date in my bible to see his hand in my life. To remember. I like to think that one day my children will fuss over who gets moms bible, my prayer is that even my future grandchildren see his faithfulness through those little notes and dates.
That is such a cool idea KRISTY and Jennifer.. My Bible is just full of highlighter colours.. I may have to adopt your idea, though..!❤
Have more than one Bible. Problem solved.
Tina your big open heart just astounds me. Thank you for sharing. I always think when my son has challenges that these very struggles are strengthening him and preparing him for what’s next. We need to trust God and move FORWARD. Always forward.
Good morning sweet She’s! The word TRUST comes to mind again. Trust, that our God has it ALL under control. He remains faithful even we we are not. He remains faithful even when we don’t “feel” Him. HE is with us…HE is that “still-small-voice.” Grateful for this especially when feeling anxious. I know that I KNOW MY JESUS is with YOU and I. Love you all SO much!
Warren Wiersbe said this of the Hebrews reading:
“The writer makes it clear that faith is very practical (v. 3), despite what unbelievers say. Faith enables us to understand what God does. Faith enables us to see what others cannot see (vv. 7, 13, 27). As a result, faith enables us to do what others cannot do! People laughed at these great men and women when they stepped out by faith, but God was with them and enabled them to succeed to His glory.”
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Biblegateway verse of the day:
Proverbs 9:10 NIRV
“If you want to become wise, you must begin by respecting the Lord. To know the Holy One is to gain understanding.”
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I am blessed by the level of FAITH I see in you sisters! Your response to tests and your testimonies are living proof that you look to God for wisdom and direction. May we each respect and revere Him no matter what. ❤
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We sing this song often at our church:
Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher –
Lord I come, I confess
Bowing here, I find my rest
Without You, I fall apart
You’re the one that guides my heart
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Where sin runs deep, Your grace is more
Where grace is found is where You are
And where You are, Lord, I am free
Holiness is Christ in me
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
So teach my song to rise to You
When temptation comes my way
And when I cannot stand, I’ll fall on You
Jesus, You’re my hope and stay
Lord, I need You, oh, I need You
Every hour, I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
You’re my one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
My one defense, my righteousness
Oh God, how I need You
Thank you for sharing and the insights.
I agree. The testimonies shared are of great encouragement and reminders of God’s great faithfulness.
One of my favorite Matt Maher songs.
❤
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That is so good. I love Hebrews 11 and when we read each of their stories throughout scripture we know they were laughed at and mocked but when I read Hebrews 11 you don’t think of that when their names are all in one place because we know they are championed by now! None of the things these heroes of the faith did was easy yet they trusted even when it was really hard! I never really thought of it like this and my wheels will be turning on this all day. Thank you for sharing!
❤ you’re welcome, Kristy! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
My one defense, my righteousness, on God how I need you!❤
Cee Gee❤
❤
“People laughed…” Without hearing what God said to Noah, Abraham, and others would we too have laughed? We don’t know how or to what God calls others. May we listen to our own calling and not laugh at others following theirs.
Come on!! You can say it again!!!
Good morning, precious sisters! I haven’t updated lately but I am still here every morning and praying for all your needs. The verse from Psalm 27 on waiting on the Lord is very appropriate and obviously something God is telling me. It was in a devotional I read yesterday, too. I am definitely in a holding pattern with Jack. His cancer is so large and spreading but he is still about the same otherwise. I haven’t been to church the past five months because I can’t leave him in the mornings (he’s tired and he just doesn’t get up and get with it like he used to). It has been nine months since the oncologist gave him a 4-6 month prognosis. I have no idea what God’s timing is but I’m faithfully taking care of my precious Jack until God carries him home. I could certainly use your continued prayers for strength in the waiting. Love you all! ❤️
Praying Lynne! May He continue to give you strength and peace as you care for Jack. Thanks for your prayers and for sharing! ❤️
Praying….May the Lord’s strength, hope and peace lift you up and be present reminding you that you do not journey alone.❤️
‘Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Rom 15:13
Oh dear, precious Lynn, I just can’t imagine what that would be like. I pray you stay faithful and strong in this hard time, that you let others care for YOU and hold your arms up as well. It must be a lonely journey, since he has cognitive issues as well, not being able to talk to him. You come to my mind often and I pray and ask the Lord to care for you. Thank you for checking in with us.
Prayers for your endurance and patience in the waiting while you care for Jack ❤️
Lynne, you and Jack remain on my heart and in my prayers. Praying for peace for your heart, comfort for Jack, and the an-do for what you are called to do, sister! Love and hugs! ❤
Oh sweet Lynne,
You are always on my mind and I pray often. It is so hard to watch our husband’s grow weak. Your faith has been a testament to me.
Praying now for your strength in the journey, for your peace in the storm, and your courage in the face of the future. Hugs to you, dear sister. ❤️
Adding my Amen covered in hugs and love to you both, Lynne from Alabama.. Know His peace and comfort in this journey with Jack.. He is near, He is near sweet friend.. Be strengthened in His love as you care for Jack. ❤
I pray the Lord our healer, miracle worker and savior will cover you both now in the name of Jesus.
Praying for peace. comfort and strength!
Continued prayers for you both Lynne. Sending hugs and prayers! ❤️
Waiting and trusting and walking close to God. Praying for Jack and you as his caregiver
Praying for you, sister. Praying God’s peace and presence as you walk through this journey.
I just read psalm 27 and prayed with you Lynne. Thank you for updating us.
Adding my prayers to the other ladies here for you and Jack!
Praying for you Lynne that your faith fails not! You are a powerful example of a godly wife and your courage and strength is truly helping us all!
Praying!!!
Lynne, carrying in prayers, sister. For Jack’s comfort and healing, and for resilience for you, as you both continue in this journey. Mucho love.
Lynne from Alabama thank you for updating us. I will continue to pray for you and Jack
Standing on God’s promises even when I don’t see how it can work out. Faith building exercise indeed. Praying for all of you Ladies. ♥️
Learning faith, trust, obedience, and worship. This is the goal of my life.
Genesis 13:18 really stuck out to me in this morning’s reading. “So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the Lord.” This reading put on my heart that I want to be worshipping in the waiting and to continue to be expectant through it all.
I so needed to hear this today. Two weeks after our house fire, and I feel like a wanderer, with no place to call home. We are staying with my mother-in-law, who is amazing, but I’ve had a couple of rough days when I have been so sad because of this feeling of displacement. I have faith, but also I have these human feelings that sometimes overwhelm me— how long before I have my own home again? Why is all this happening? But Abraham’s response is showing that God has a time and a reason for everything. And I need to rest in my hope as I look forward to what is next in our lives. I’m seeing this as a rebirth, but it is bringing to the forefront my need to control timelines and outcomes, as a way to “help God along.” And in the process, I think it is adding pressure to my husband, who is trying to be incredibly supporting of me and my feelings during this time.
Father, forgive my impulse to control my life when I know very well that you are the Master of my life. My heart is home sick for what it was instead of being hopeful for what it will be. Let the Holy Spirit guide me as we navigate this temporary “normal.” Thank you for your love, mercy, compassion and grace, all the days of our lives.
I am continuing to keep you in my prayers, Maria. I can’t imagine what it must be like to lose your home in a fire.
Just prayed for you when I woke up! God bless your heart with His peace, the peace beyond human understanding, and endurance for your faith to get you to the ‘next land’. Love and hugs, Maria!
❤ A verse I often share on a card-
Psalm 121:5 NLT
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
Maria,you have been an inspiration of faith to me. Realizing that you were here in the study right after your house fire and have continued to take time each day to study and worship through it shows me an example of a pillar of strength and full reliance on God. I pray he guides you and your family to a new home soon and that your soul will be comforted through this journey❤️
Yes, I think the same thing when I see her name..HOW is she here in such a time. But God, it is so encouraging to know when our She’s are suffering or in pain, yet still here reading scripture! (heart emoji)
Amy G— this group and studying the word together has been a ray of hope and goodness in this challenging time in my life. I love you all so much. I was thinking that last night— I don’t know you all personally, but you all have become true sisters.
“My heart is home sick for what it was instead of being hopeful for what it will be.”
This could be the theme of a lot of our lives. Thank God you know, with your heart, that your “hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness…”. i know words can’t express how sad we all are that you and your family are going through this! we pray for God’s strength to lift you up!
Have prayed for you this morning. I’m so sorry you are on this hard journey and I think all the feelings you have and are processing would be so very real and overwhelming. May the Lord’s presence, peace, hope, and strength be near as you persevere and look both to and for what is ahead. Eyes on Jesus❤️
Sweet Maria, this is such a difficult season.
But God…
Praying that each day God shows you his goodness and mercy and grace. Praying that all the details fall into place smoothly. And so very thankful you are still with us here each day!
Big Hug for you! ❤️
Praying for you and your family!
Praying for you, Maria!
Praying that you will feel that this group is a type of “home” for you.
Continued prayers for you and your family Maria. What great faith you have & yes, an inspiration to us all! Oh that I would have the same heart & attitude, if it were me in your situation. May God’s continue to sustain & guide you. ❤️
Praying for you and your family, Maria. ❤️
Prayers and love
My dear Maria, I continue to hold you and yours in My prayers.
Thank you for the update. He is close to those whose call on Him and He is faithful and He is a promise keeper.. He will see you right.. He will..hold on to Him!❤
It struck me how Abraham keeps building altars to worship God wherever he goes. I know that worship is usually what sustains and soothes me in difficult periods of waiting and praying. I think that’s an important part of the active waiting. I also love how he was generous in letting Lot choose first. And, God used that to protect Abraham from being close to Sodom and to establish Gods promises for Abraham about Canaan. I love these details of Gods faithfulness to His beloved people.
Faith is in the waiting and being at peace while waiting. So hard sometimes but so liberating to trust God.
Yes, Mari G
Waiting can be Liberating!
Love, love, love genesis 13:17: “get up and WALK around the land, through its length and width, for I WILL give it to you.” Yes, Abraham waited, but it was an active waiting in strength and courage and trust that God would do what He said He would do. I am reminded that in prayer and intercession we are figuratively and sometimes actually walking the land we are waiting to inherit. We trust God because He is trustWORTHY!
I love this! Active waiting is different. Help us wait actively, Lord.
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Yes, and in his active waiting (love that term)he also built an altar in each place. So as he waited and followed God’s leading, he stopped and worshipped God. A good reminder.
This gets me fired up! Get up and walk! We are studying Miracles at church right now from preschool to HS to adult. This week we talked about taking off our grave clothes. He brings us from death to LIFE! We have to actively take our grave clothes off and walk in His righteosness, he died for us to be able to.. today I’m going to get up, to walk.. to take off!!
Wait for the lord… be strong and take courage. Something I have not been at good for much of my life. I believe we belong to a good god but if you’ve ever longed to be in a relationship, a wife, a mother, wanted the perfect career, etc. you get me. Trusting God is tough and it’s hard. Praying you all have a great day!
Sweet girl, waiting is so hard! I’m doing a different kind of waiting but it is still difficult. I’m praying that God will give you peace as you wait on His timeline. ❤️
Kimberly, praying God’s peace as you wait, and that Lord willing – the waiting will be over soon. ❤️
Kimberley, He has got you.. Hold on just a little longer, His timing is perfect. It is tough, BUT GOD.. He never disappoints! Hugs covered in prayers for you❤
I am back in the waiting game. Baby girl has still not flipped and I had to schedule an ECV for next Friday. Pray she flips on her own before then! I am trying to stay hopeful, but also know whatever the outcome, if God says yes or if God says no, I know I will see his goodness in the land of the living. As for now, God said wait, which I’ve gotten very used to in my prayer life, so timely read!
I know this sounds crazy…to get my daughter to flip my doctor had me each night lay on an ironing board propped against the couch. Your head will be on the floor with a pillow as your body extends upward on the board. It’s quite comical getting off and on the board, but it worked. Praying your baby flips and for patience in this waiting.
Lol
Praying that baby girl heeds her mama’s request to flip! Keeping you in prayer. ❤
Have prayed right now.
Lord, we pray that your hand would move in this tiny babies life so as to bring about a natural and safe delivery. Give Laine peace and strength in the waiting.
Praying for your baby to turn and peace in the waiting.
I remember my fourth child…she was breach.
They were able to flip her and before we got to the delivery room that little stinker flipped right back! I had to have a C-section and I cried through it! I was so disappointed. And scared. And everything…
But God…
It all worked out…she was healthy. I survived and thrived. God was there in all the details. And I still had a precious baby to hold and rock and love…even if my recovery was longer than a vaginal birth.
So sweet Lanie, relax and trust that all will be well.
Hugs to you. ❤️
Praying your baby will turn the correct way around, Lanie H! Like Gramsie Sue, my 4th child was breech (she was a twin- so no room to try to move her). I spent the last few weeks upside-down and using ice packs to try to get her to move. Praying and praying. I didn’t get what I wanted, but she and her sister arrived safely by c-section (I went into labour naturally, but she still hadn’t flipped the right way). Hoping your story is different than mine. Babies can flip anytime!
Praying baby girl flips!
Labor, Praying for a safe and healthy delivery of
I also did that downward exercise from the couch, onto a cushion on the floor. Mine was also breeched and turned around on her own. Praying for you.
PRAYING Lanie for little miss to flip! Praying you wait patiently and for all to happen as God planned it to for His Glory.. Amen.
Much love Lanie, from across the pond❤
“Abraham’s faith is expressed in his endurance”. That word, endurance, struck a chord with me. Abraham had endurance, courage, certainty of God and he was hopeful. Those are attributes that I want in my life.
I have a prayer request this morning, please pray for my 2 year old grandson who is having further testing this morning for an egg allergy. He is supposed to eat a certain muffin with eggs and will be monitored for several hours. Please pray that he will actually eat some of the muffin, he is not a good eater. And also pray that he is growing out of this allergy. It’s been a big challenge in his life so far. I appreciate this community of believers and I’m so thankful that we can come together this way! Have a wonderful day everyone.
Praying!
Thank you Dee Dee!
Praying for your grandson.
Carla – praying for your grandson! What a wearing task it can be to have a child or a spouse with food allergies, praying he will eat the muffin, and outgrow the allergies!
The “looking forward” really struck me too. Not looking back at what was, not even looking around at what is, but looking ahead in faith to what will be.
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Enduring faith and trust in Abraham’s waiting. The wisdom in trusting God as he offered the choice of land to Lot.
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Praying for my own faith and trust that God is indeed in control, may I walk with Him on the right path.
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ALEIDA – praying for your family this morning
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CEE GEE – ❤️
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He was not even himself promised to live in that land, but his kids and ancestors. He didn’t even have ONE KID YET!!! But the someday kept him going. He was promised children, and he believed God would do it! He didn’t know when or how, but that God was faithful. He called Abraham out, he went. Abraham walked by faith and not by sight. Help me Lord to stay faithful to You, no matter what!
You’re so right, Erica!
From a childless man would come a great nation!
But, he would have to, wait for it.
Tried. Tested. True.
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Psalm 27:14 – Abraham got really good at waiting. He believed everything the Lord promised him, even though he had to wait a very long time. He completely trusted God. I want to have faith like that.
I’ve learned over the years that God is faithful. I might want something so bad to happen at that exact moment but I’m not in control of my life. I know God is faithful. I know He loves me. I have tried to life my way and it went horribly. Like the scripture in Pslams—I am certain that I will see the Lords goodness. Abraham deeply believed God’s promise so he listened. I need to be more like Abraham some days and listen and follow what God is trying to tell me.
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I love Abraham’s story and his faith! I’m reminded that even when I don’t see the outcome or the end in sight, God does. That is all that matters. I want to be a woman of faith-unwavering faith. Lord, let it be so!
Answers may not be clear, promises not immediate and waiting may feel endless. But God. His promises are yes and amen! Lord help me to have faith and hope knowing Your plans are for Your good and mine. In Jesus name, Amen
Looking ahead to what is to come can give us so much hope and endurance. We know this world is passing away; we know that Jesus will return and make all things right again. We know these things and we long to see them happen. When our family went through our deepest trial (sudden ministry transition), the knowledge that God had a good plan for us in mind gave us hope and comfort. The song “Is He Worthy?” by Andrew Peterson made us cry and long for Jesus’ return and yet also filled us with hope that one day all these trials will pass away and we will walk in the New Heaven and New Earth in perfect peace and harmony.
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Favorite song ever
We moved around alot when I was a child, about every 2 years. Some moves required new school districts, so I started over finding a friend group several times. Not as drastic as Abraham’s moves, but a taste of the unsettled-ness he may have felt.
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Seeing Abraham’s faith grow to the point that he humbled himself in letting Lot, the younger party, choose which direction to go is encouraging.
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AMANDA NOBLE – praying the return “home” brings you healing and God’s blessings to you and your daughter.
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SEARCHING – praying for your family member’s and her loss.
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AMANDA GROSH – thankful you are seeing God’s provision for you. May He clearly guide your next steps.
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I was struck by the words, “For he was looking forward…” To look forward to something means that you are anticipating it, waiting for it, and hopefully, you’re eager for it to happen. I’m sure that this was Abraham. But I also think it means that you’re not dwelling on the past. It would have been so easy for Abraham to start thinking about where he had been – “I had a home that wasn’t a tent. I had family around me. Friends to help me, etc.” But he believed God, kept going where God sent him, and God counted him as faithful.
It is so easy to get stuck wishing for what was or wanting to go back to when things were easy and simple and you knew exactly what you needed to be doing. I want to be like Abraham, looking forward, moving forward when God tells me to move and staying still when He tells me to stop. I want to live in anticipation of seeing His plan fulfilled, trusting Him. The way forward isn’t always clear, but God is good and His plan is good.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts! We’ve just moved halfway across country again to be near family and left behind “our forever home” and an amazing community. My heart is grieving that. Which is healthy, but the reminder to look forward was much needed this morning
The “looking forward” really struck me too. Not looking back at what was, not even looking around at what is, but looking ahead in faith to what will be.
It’s (looking forward) is also a great contrast to Lots wife – who we know looked back! Thanks for pointing out!
Abraham was gracious to Lot. He could have just told him where to put his herds and where to live, but he allowed him to make the decision. I wonder if it’s because he knew and trusted that God had the plan already worked out.
I am praying today that I will be as gracious as Abraham was at that time. Have a great Thursday, Sisters!
I think what struck me this morning is that while the actual promise of an heir for Abraham took lots of years to come to fruition – we do see God blessing him, guiding him and walking with him every step of that journey. Even when Abraham veers off the path.
Father, thank You for Your amazing faithfulness to me – each and every day and especially when I veer off the path!
Praying you will feel God’s very tender presence today Ladies!
As I re-read Abraham’s story, I am struck by the goodness of God – the promises that He makes A. are so huge, and it reminds me that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him. Also struck by the level of human agency that is nevertheless required: Abraham wasn’t passive. God needs a partner, and to be a good partner we need to live by faith, whether that is through staying put or going. I am moving in a month’s time and it really feels as though I’m stepping into something that isn’t fully certain. Abraham’s story challenges me, and God’s goodness and love reassures me.
I always felt like a foreign as a child, no matter where I went, or ended up with my dad and brother, I didn’t quite make the grade! In my fatherland, I did not quite belong. In the land of my birth, I did not fit in, often Being called names, being rejected!
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BUT GOD..
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I now know, and totally understand that those early days of my life were the laying of the foundations of my life. That the architect, Father God, was shaping me , moulding me, if you please, to be exactly where I needed to be, when the time came! The wanderings were shaping me. Maybe not quite 40 years, but life’s experiences, have a way of reminding me of how far I have come..
Like Abram, Isaac and Jacob, I live on promises from God. That I will and have seen the goodness of God in the land of the living..
Each day I wait on the Lord, I raise my hands to the maker of heaven and earth, in Him I am made strong, and for sure, my heart knows courage because He is a Faithful God.. A God of promises kept!
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What can I learn from Abrahams response to God in today’s reading..
I think.. Be all in with God, trust, obey, and believe. Have ‘all in’ faith, because the bigger picture is oh so much better, even with its ups and downs than you could ever imagine!
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AMEN.❤
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Happy Thursday dear hearts! Prayers covered in hugs and absolutely wrapped in love winging their way to each of you this chilly morning! ❤
Verse 4 of Amazing Grace came to mind..
The Lord has promised good to me,
his word my hope secures;
he will my shield and portion be
as long as life endures.
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He has promised good for as long as life has endured, and continues to do so.. He has been faithful from day 1.. never changing, not once..
Amen.❤️
Amen, and amen. ❤️
Amen
Love your shares, Tina; what an encouraging word! Amen! ❤
Thank you, TINA, for another moving piece of your life’s testimony. I am so thankful for you, and have a big hug waiting … one day ❤️
Yes & Amen Tina – “the bigger picture is so much better!” ….you have such a way with words in all of your comments! ❤️
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Abraham had the courage to actually believe what God promised. He lived for years among the Philistines- without an heir (yet!).
When my husband and I moved to Ireland to plant a church, I had faith that God could do anything. The church is here, but it is not anywhere where my husband and I thought it would be or look like. We would like to get it to a better place (we are afraid, if we left, it would just fall apart). This has taken years and years of hard work. I have to say, I haven’t always “let my heart take courage” (Psalm 27:14) as David says. I sometimes look back on my idealistic thoughts of what the church would be like and think of myself as a foolish kid. But then, I look back at myself and realise I had a childlike faith. Today, I need to have the courage to take up that childlike faith again. Now, we could go into different things about it as I did not hear from God like Abraham did (and even though Abraham heard from God, he did not see all of God’s promises fulfilled on earth!). Maybe this church will never be what I thought it would be. God’s plans and his ways are higher. I just should not be like those who “shrink back” (Hebrews 10:39).
I have always loved Hebrews 11 (and the book of Hebrews in general) and am so excited to do this study.
You are being obedient and that’s what God asks of you. ❤️
Yes, yes and grace, grace to you as you faithfully submit yourself and your dreams to the Lord! God, encounter this Irish church with your love and power. ❤️
Your family’s obedience to the Lord will be rewarded, even though you may never see them. i heard a beautiful song last night, Flowers, by Samantha Ebert. The chorus goes:
“So i brought it up in a desperate prayer
Lord, why are you keeping me here?
Then He said to me,
Child I’m planting seeds
I’m a good God
and I have a good plan
So trust that I’m holding a watering can
And someday you’ll see
That flowers grow in the valley”
Look to God and see the tiniest flowers!
Love love love that song!!
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Oh A Walton! – I had those same dreams & expectations when we were called to a church in NJ. …the church today looks nothing like we envisioned. There have been both many hills & many valleys, and here we are 32 years later wondering what it will look like 5-10-15 years from now. We don’t know the answer, but we continue on – following & obeying, knowing that we will have our reward in heaven!
I will be praying for your ministry and Gods wisdom in every decision. ❤️