Genesis 12—13: Following God into the Unknown

Warming Up

Free your hands of books or pencils and fold them across your lap. Close your eyes and think of the characteristics of God. Let God draw near to you in these quiet moments.

 

 

Discovering the Word

What command and promise does the Lord give to Abram (12:1-3)?

• He will bless him with many children
• All nations will be blessed through him.

What additional promise and encouragement does God give to Abram as he arrives in Canaan (12:6-9)?

• He will give his children the land of Canaan.

How does Abram's scheming about himself and Sarai evidence a lack of faith (12:10-16)?

• He did not trust God to [rotect him in the hostile Egyptian land. He made his own plans to save his neck instead of coming to God for help. This would not necessarily be bad, but Abram's plans included lying and scheming, It is not bad to make plans, but God should always be a part of them, if not the whole of them, I must remember that.

Describe the problem which arises between Abram and Lot (13:1-7).

• Both men became too rich to live in the same place. There began to be bickering between Abram and Lot's herdsmen.

Abram, as the older man, has the right to choose the best land. How does his action here demonstrate a greater confidence in God's promise to take care of him (13:8-13)?

• He allows Lot to make the first choice for home and land. This is being kind and generous to his nephew. Abram knew that God was going to give him/his children the land of Canaan. So he trusted God by doing something that seemed backward. He gave Lot the first choice in land because he trusted God's promise.

What renewed and expanded promises does the Lord give to Abram (13:14-17)?

• He will give Abram all the land that he can see and his offspring will be so great that it will completely cover the face of the earth.

Applying the Word

Describe a time when you took matters into your own hands instead of trusting in God's faithfulness.

• Oh, I don't know...every day? I hardly ever ask God for guidance before I take action. I know I need to pray more. I really can't think of anything specific, maybe that's bad...does that mean that something is going to blow up in my face soon?

 

How can Abram's experiences in chapters 12 and 13 encourage you to entrust your needs more fully to God? 

• God makes promises to us through his word. Many, many promises. Promises to provide for us, to give us hope, to love us, to give us peace. I have confidence that if I truly believed them all, I would be a more content human being. Abram gave up comfort and family to follow God, and God provided for him. He really believed in God's promises. Oh, Chelsea, trust God, he sees all and knows all, trust God.

Responding in Prayer

Thank God for his faithfulness in keeping promises, and ask him to increase your faith while you wait to see your requests come to fruition.

• Thank you for your faithfulness. You do keep promises. Perhaps not when I think you should or how I think you should, but you do keep your promises. Increase my faith while I wait. My life is full of waiting. Waiting in line, waiting for kids to grow up, waiting for time to pass. Help me seek Joy and comfort in you arms. Not in the arms of the pleasures of this world. Help me see you as "more comfortable". Increase my faith, help me desire it!