Bible Reading: Genesis 17:9 to the end
The Special Verse (KJV): "And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly." (Genesis 17:2)
Reflection
I always wondered why Abraham was so blessed. But as I read through the Scripture, I noticed something: Abraham was quick to obey God. Even when God gave him difficult instructions, as soon as he understood what God was asking, he acted on it.
We see this in Genesis 17. Abraham was 99 years old, yet he went ahead and put himself and all the males born in his house, including his son Ishmael, through the painful process of circumcision, all because God told him to. In fact, it was the same day God spoke to him that he obeyed. He didn't wander around analyzing the instruction God gave him.
Another place we see it is Genesis 22, when God told him to go and sacrifice his only son, his covenant son Isaac, the son he loved. The Bible says the very next day, very early in the morning, he took Isaac to sacrifice him. Other cases are in Genesis 12:4 and 21:14.
This shows why Abraham was so blessed and why God could trust him with His covenant: he would do what is right. Abraham was not perfect. He did a lot of foolish things, like lying about Sarah being his wife. But when God gave him instructions, he obeyed.
So how quick are you to obey God? Remember that delayed obedience is disobedience, because it shows how much we trust what God is telling us. What is God asking you to do that you're delaying? Are you dilly-dallying, trying to figure out what the consequences will be? We have to step out in faith.
The Bible says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Hebrews 11:6 tells us that "he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." God is a rewarder of those who obey Him, and who obey Him speedily, not in their own time but immediately. When you obey God immediately, it shows how much you honor Him.
So think about your life. What do you need to go and do? Although it might be difficult and painful, remember that God is a rewarder of those who seek Him diligently.
Reflection Questions
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What is God asking you to do right now that you have been delaying?
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What reasons or fears are you using to "analyze" the instruction instead of acting on it?
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Abraham wasn't perfect, yet God trusted him with His covenant because of his obedience. How does that encourage you?
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What would it look like for you to obey God "the very next day, very early in the morning"?
Prayer
Father, thank You for Your covenant and for Your faithfulness to multiply and bless those who trust You. Forgive me for the times I have delayed, questioned, and dragged my feet when You gave me clear direction. Help me honor You with quick obedience, knowing You are a rewarder of those who diligently seek You. In Jesus' name, Amen.