Daily Devotions
Resilience
Title: Resilience
Reading for January 4: Genesis 13-17
Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."
Genesis 13:8-9
Have you ever noticed how some people just never have a bad day? It's not that they have a life free of pain or problems. It's just they have a tremendous capacity to bounce back when they are down or when something bad happens to them. In a word, they are RESILIENT. I believe Abraham was like this. He had plenty of bad days in his life, but he wouldn't allow things to get him down. He remained optimistic no matter what the circumstances.
And I believe this little passage may give us a window into the thought process of people like this. When Abraham was presented with a terribly divisive family problem involving a costly land dispute (and don't these kinds of issues hurt us worse than others), his solution was very simple: "Lot, you choose!" What this shows us about Abraham's disposition is not just his meekness and humility, but his FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISES!
What had God promised to him?
Genesis 12:2 "And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing."
The reason Abraham could be so positive and giving and meek in this situation is he knew there was no way he could lose. His optimistic outlook and generous, give-it-all-away point of view was based on the rock solid promises God had given him.
If you're feeling down today, encumbered by the many problems that are burdening you (family, financial, health, etc.), spend a few moments simply meditating on the incredible promises God has made to you!
Great God and Father, your steadfast love never ceases! Your mercies never come to an end! They are new every morning! Great is your faithfulness!
