Letting Go: Abraham pleads for Ishmael

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Friends, family, and acquaintances are important to our lives. We live in a world where we must interact and be interdependent upon others for love, support, and relationship. However, some individuals in our lives may prove to be useful only at certain times in our lives. It does not mean that there is a problem; however, God may want to bring others into our lives for continual growth and success in Him.

Abraham had to learn the reality of this truth. Because God’s promise was upon Sarah and Isaac, he would eventually have to let go of Ishmael that God’s promises to him would be established. However, Abraham protested.

And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! Gen 17:18 (KJV)

Abraham loved Ishmael, but God’s covenant would be with Isaac. Abraham pleaded with God for Ishmael. On today, what people are in your life that you know that they will not be able to be with you always? Are you willing to let them go {not because you hate them or any problem exists} for the sake of continual growth and success in Christ?

They may be longtime friends and family members. It does not mean that there is no communication and fellowship, but their influence in your life has to be limited that God may bring to you all that He has for you. This may be a difficult task, but in the end, everyone will prosper. Later on, in this story, discover that God blessed Ishmael, though he had to leave his father.

Prayer of the Week:

 “I know that I can trust you God, you know what is best for me and who is good for me. Help me to do what is necessary to please you. Amen.”

Separated for the Set-up

Separation is a necessary part of life. Many fight against it, even to their own hurt. Some stay in destructive relationships for fear of being alone. Others will not separate because of the “comfort” of familiarity. However, as a Christian, the challenge to separate from people, places, and things (in order to progress) is there.

Abraham had to make the decision to separate from Lot. In Volume I, we discussed how Abraham and Lot entered into conflict. Rather than stay in a situation where this could reoccur, Abraham gave Lot his pick of the land for peaceful separation.

And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. Gen 13:14-15 (KJV)

After the separation, God appears to Abraham and gives him a blessing of promise. We discover that his separation was a set-up to receive from God. On today, what people, places, and things do you need to give up and separate yourself from? Abraham was willing to separate from Lot and he received a blessing. Who knows? Some things you may desire of God may be released if you separate from known negative influences. Make the necessary changes and separations; it will set you up for a blessing.

Prayer of the Week:

“Lord, I thank you that your thoughts for me are for good. Give me the strength to do what is necessary to receive all that you have for me. Thank you now for all things that will come for my benefit. Amen.”