In the previous post, we noted that moving Abram’s family to Canaan must have been a slow process, considering that they moved on foot or on the backs of animals such as camels. What’s more, they had a huge number of servants, flocks and herds, and possessions to carry. We also noted that Abram’s family lived in tents—not what we know of today as small and cramped camping tents, but huge, multi-roomed tents much like the Bedouin tents today. And, once they were ready to settle in the promised land, Abram gave Lot first choice of where to dwell, while he and his family went in the opposite direction. We saw that Lot sought to place his family in an area of physical beauty and pleasure, while Abram sought to place his family in a right relationship with God, and it made all the difference.
Considering the characters of both Lot and Abram, we can only wonder what shaped them. What events in Lot’s life led him to become so shallow and focused on earthly pleasure? And, on the other hand, what led Abram to become a man so focused on God that he would offer his shallow nephew first choice of dwelling areas and then locate his family elsewhere? Do such events in our lives shape us?
Most definitely the events in our lives shape us and mold us into who we are, and God has a part in that. While we have free choice about how we live our lives, God is working in and through our life experiences, and using them to mold us. Romans 8:28 tells us: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” That is, God uses all of the experiences we have, both good and bad, for His purposes to form us as believers, to mold and shape those who love Him. Even our sins can be used to bring about God’s plans in our lives. Consider David and his grievous sin with Bathsheba. Even though he repented of his sin, he and Bathsheba suffered for it, ultimately losing their son, who died shortly after birth. In addition, three other sons of David died untimely deaths. But, David and Bathsheba’s next son became Solomon, who built the magnificent temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and became known as the wisest man who ever lived, and heir to the throne. Almighty God used the unfortunate circumstances of David’s sin to not only shape David’s character but also to be a blessing to many. Only God could turn our “mess into a message,” to quote Rick Warren.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2–4).
What about those troubles that are not caused by our own sin? Adversity can come through accidents, through the sin of others, and through circumstances beyond our control because we live in a fallen world. God can use all of those circumstances to shape us. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:
10). Paul certainly experienced his share of adversity, but God used it all to make both Paul and his testimony strong, for the benefit of others.
While we don’t know a lot of details about Abram’s life before God called him to Canaan, we do know that he lost his brother to an early death. Abram’s brother, Haran, died before both his father and Abraham died, and before Abram’s family moved to Canaan. While no ages are given here, we do sense that Abram took some responsibility for his nephew Lot. When Lot was captured by a band or marauders, Abram gathered an army and went after them to rescue Lot. Genesis 14:14-16 recounts the events. “And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued them unto Dan. And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them nto Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. And he brought back all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people.”
It seems that as long as Lot was under Abram’s care, he did well, but once he was on his own, he made some poor choices. He went after what looked lovely to his eyes, blending in with the ways of Sodom, and then he was captured. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there—everyone has made some poor choices and tried to blend in with the world. The key is what you do afterwards. Do you repent and seek God, or do you continue after worldly pleasures? I Tim 5:6 warns: “But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.”
No one but God knows when his time on earth will end. God has appointed the number of our days (Ps 139:16). Make sure to use them wisely, for death comes to all, and some sooner than others. Death, particularly an untimely death of a loved one can change things. The wise will consider their steps and prepare their hearts to meet their Maker.
Abraham lost his brother before he lost his father. Lesson 4: Death may change the lives of the living long before it is expected. Be prepared.
From Peggy's Pen 