BIBLE READING

Genesis 13:5-11 NIV

[5] Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. [6] But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together. [7] And quarreling arose between Abram's herders and Lot's. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time. [8] So Abram said to Lot, “Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. [9] Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left.” [10] Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) [11] So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company.

REFLECTION

Evidently God's promise to bless Abram and his descendants is coming to pass, at least when it comes to material possessions. In fact between his nephew and himself, they have so much 'stuff' they no longer have enough space for them to co-exist peacefully.

If suffering tests our faith, so does prosperity. In fact, many who turn to God when enduring great storms and trials have forgotten about God when the dark skies part and the sun once again shines.

I love Abram's attitude in the whole dispute. He says, "Let's part company." One can't help but wonder if he's just glad to have the opportunity to put some distance between himself and Lot. It's almost like: 'I don't care where you go, as long as it's far away from me!'

He's so casual and nonchalant about the whole arrangement. He says to Lot: 'You have first pick. Whatever direction you choose, I'll go the opposite way.' Why is he so relaxed? I think it's because Abram has grown in faith to the point where He knows God's promise of blessing is a sure thing. God's favour is on him, not a place. So it doesn't matter right now where he goes because God will show His abundant provision anywhere and everywhere. There's none of the striving or stressing that can so often consume me, if I'm being honest. Simple trust: God will provide.

When it comes to knowing God's will for our lives, we can become so uptight and anxious, terrified of making a wrong decision and being 'out of the centre of God's perfect plan.' However, while we should long to seek His will, I have found that most often it's not so much about WHERE I AM or WHAT I'M DOING, but WHO I AM and WHOSE I AM.

I personally have experienced God's blessing and favour in many spheres of life from stacking shelves in a supermarket and working in PR and marketing, to preaching and teaching in full-time church ministry. I choose to believe His favour rests on me, so as long as I am posturing my heart towards Him, He can't help but bless me! In fact I expect blessing. It may be presumptuous on my part, but I have seen it over and over again. He is a good, good Father after all.

Today ask God to bless every part of your day, to give you favour with God and man, to bless your job, finances, family, health and relationships. Expect his favour to show up every place you go. Like David, may goodness and mercy follow you every day of your life.