Abraham without asking God went down to Egypt because of a famine. He lied about Sarah being his sister and Pharaoh took Sarah to be his wife. This had to be humiliating for Sarah. Thankfully, the Lord intervened by inflicting a serious disease on Pharaoh and his household. Pharaoh literally says come and get your wife. Abraham really messed up. This God-fearing man who says he serves a mighty God lied and handed over his wife to be part of Pharaoh’s concubine. After everyone is afflicted with a serious disease, Abraham, and his family are escorted out of Egypt. This would be embarrassing.
Abraham could have stayed in a pity party. Thinking I really messed up and I am a miserable failure. That is what Satan wants us to think as well. How can you call yourself a Christian when messing up so bad? I love the fact that Abraham did not quit!! He did not return to Haran or run back to his home in Ur. I am sure he was thinking like we have done many times – God, where did I leave you? You used to be in my life. I used to know you. But somewhere I lost you?
I love what Abraham does in Genesis 13:4. Abram called on the name of the Lord. I would think he might have said – “Please God, I want to find you again.
I want you back in my life. I want the fullness of your blessing.”
God, I am sorry! I have made a mess! I am so ashamed! I don’t know what got into me. I took matters into my own hands when I didn’t sense your presence. I just can’t believe what I did. Everyone hates me – Please God, help me to start over.
I don’t know about y’all but this is the story of my life! Please Lord let me start over. So many times I have spoken words of gossip when I should not have – and I walk away in guilt. Other times, I keep my mouth closed when I had the perfect opportunity to share the love of Christ. How many times I have left my home and not spent time with Jesus – too many to count.
Abraham returns back to Bethel – the last place where he had last known God’s presence in his life. Right there in front of the Canaanites, he cries out to the Lord.
No matter how far you have fallen, don’t give up. God always offers a way to reverse your failure. I also return to the place where I last knew God’s presence. In my study, with His Word wide open and I meditate on the scriptures. I talk to God about my sins and my failures. Then I humbly ask for forgiveness. God is so gracious and merciful to me and to all sinners. He is full of compassion and loving kindness. And God will never turn anyone away who comes to Him in humble repentance at the foot of the cross.
Are you missing the God-filled life? Do you need to return to the last place where you knew God’s presence? God calls for us to come back. Then pray like Abraham prayed. Pour out your heart. It doesn’t matter if you can’t remember how or when or where you began to wander. Just come back to God! Like Abraham, leave everything behind, the familiar, the fence-sitting, the fear, the failure and run back to God.
