The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.” (13:14-16)
God had already promised Abram this land, and now He reiterates that promise. Some time had passed, we don’t know how much time – he had moved to Egypt and back. Sometimes we need reminders of God’s promises.
Here’s a very personal story: After we had four children, I sort of decided that we were done. However, after two years God spoke to me very clearly and told me to leave the family planning to Him. And then we had two more children, followed by a miscarriage, and then two more children. And then I had a miscarriage, and another miscarriage. I told my husband, “I don’t want to keep doing this (miscarrying babies) until menopause.” And he replied with an understanding sigh, “I know. But we could be saying “no” to little junior so’n so.” And I said, “I know.” So I asked God, “Please speak to me again! I need to hear your voice. What should I do?” Silence. Silence. Silence. And so I had to go with the last thing I knew God had spoken to me. And I had another miscarriage. And then we had two more children. We need to pay attention when God speaks. And often He will speak the same thing again and again. I am not sure why He didn’t speak again when I felt I needed Him to – but I guess He knew I actually didn’t need that – He had spoken to me so very clearly before, and I had to keep pressing on with obedience. (I have only heard God that clearly five times in many decades of walking with Him.)
Prayer: Thank You, God, that You do speak to Your people, through Your Word and in other ways. Thank You that You often give reminders. Help me to be attentive, and obedient, and to trust You. Amen.
