The lush, fertile plains had given way to an arid and rocky landscape. Mountains jutted up in the horizon. “Is this the place?” Abram wondered, his eyes taking in the vast stretch of land before him. He had set out from his homeland months ago, traversing hundreds of miles with only a word from the Lord. Now, he stood on a hill looking across one of the most beautiful panoramic views of his life. This must be the place.
After Abram reached Canaan with his wife, his nephew, Lot, and all of their possessions, they found that Canaanites were already inhabiting the very land that God had promised to Abram. Even so, God appears to Abram in Shechem and confirms His promise again. Abram builds an altar, then he continues the journey. East of Bethel, Negev, then Egypt. Finally, he returns to Shechem and his original altar. Famine, political conflict, and wealth marked this portion of Abram’s walk.
While Abram was walking in the natural, he was also walking in the supernatural - in relationship with Jehovah. As he put one foot in front of the other in the physical realm, he was learning to obey, choose, and seek the Lord. One act of obedience and surrender at a time. We would no doubt see the effects of all this walking on Abram. Stronger muscles, a leaner physique, maybe telltale signs in his skin from the harsh wind and constant exposure. If we could put on spiritual eyes, we would be able to see the effects of this walking on his spirit. A greater trust in God. A heart that began to beat for the Lord, not just His promises. A man who began to respond with faith instead of fear.
These changes did not happen in Abram’s faith and character overnight, but over a long period of time. Conversing with the Lord and seeking His will, day in and day out. Facing challenges, inquiring for direction, pleading with God. Confusion, then surrender. There came a day when God asked Abraham for a great sacrifice. To offer his long-awaited son of promise on an altar, and Abraham, in faith and obedience, walked up the mountain to do it.
With this decision, we see that Abraham valued his relationship with the Lord more than any other earthly possession. God didn't give Abraham the promised son until Abraham loved the Lord more than the promise.
Walking with the Lord daily in obedience, consistent prayer and time in His word will form a deep love in you for Him. Some days may seem insignificant, no fireworks, as I’m sure many days seemed to Abraham as he continued putting one foot in front of the other. But over time, as life brings you challenges, triumphs, and quandaries, you will develop a rich, beautiful love for the Lord from which you can draw peace and strength in all circumstances.
Photo by Emmanuel Phaeton via Unsplash
