Holy Frustration

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Sunday - 9:15 AM Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Service

by: Denise Robinson

12/18/2020

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Our devotional series based on the book Climbing with Abraham by David Ramos continues. Last week we looked at the example of Melchizedek and how, because of his blessing of Abraham, he was blessed. Our reminder for last week was that when we bless others, God blesses us. 
__________________________
Week 8: Read Genesis 15:1-6 (Holy Frustration)


"Abraham is frustrated. He doesn't want to hear platitudes or empty reassurances. By this point in the story, he is old, past the normal age of fatherhood and likely past the physical possibility of it as well. He wants something God promised him: a child. God hears his frustration and reminds him that He keeps His promises. Abraham will have a child, of his own flesh, who will be his heir and carry out the promises of God. Whereas we might still want to argue with God .. Abraham doesn't. He falls silent, not out of defeat, but out of belief. He trusts that God will fulfill His word.

I have never met an honest Christian who has not been, at least once, severely frustrated with God. More than a handful of times I have found myself yelling at God, fuming at the injustices God has allowed into my life. This snippet of Abraham's journey reminds me that this is normal. As people of God, we should be pushing the limits of our lives and risking big. If there is no possibility of failure, then there is no evidence of faith [read that line again; it's important]. At every stage in life we will be wanting for something: healing, employment, peace, direction, hope. And at every stage we will be faced with the question: am I going to believe God in this?"

God had a specific plan for Abraham. Isaac's time to come into this world was part of that plan. God has a specific plan for you and for me, and he takes the same care in answering our prayers. God knows when to say yes - and how to deal with our tantrums when the answer is no. 
___________________________
Takeaway from today's lesson:  God knows and understands your frustration; keep believing. Trust God.


Prayer: God, I want to know that you are listening and that You care. Restore my hope in you when my belief falters. Amen.


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Our devotional series based on the book Climbing with Abraham by David Ramos continues. Last week we looked at the example of Melchizedek and how, because of his blessing of Abraham, he was blessed. Our reminder for last week was that when we bless others, God blesses us. 
__________________________
Week 8: Read Genesis 15:1-6 (Holy Frustration)


"Abraham is frustrated. He doesn't want to hear platitudes or empty reassurances. By this point in the story, he is old, past the normal age of fatherhood and likely past the physical possibility of it as well. He wants something God promised him: a child. God hears his frustration and reminds him that He keeps His promises. Abraham will have a child, of his own flesh, who will be his heir and carry out the promises of God. Whereas we might still want to argue with God .. Abraham doesn't. He falls silent, not out of defeat, but out of belief. He trusts that God will fulfill His word.

I have never met an honest Christian who has not been, at least once, severely frustrated with God. More than a handful of times I have found myself yelling at God, fuming at the injustices God has allowed into my life. This snippet of Abraham's journey reminds me that this is normal. As people of God, we should be pushing the limits of our lives and risking big. If there is no possibility of failure, then there is no evidence of faith [read that line again; it's important]. At every stage in life we will be wanting for something: healing, employment, peace, direction, hope. And at every stage we will be faced with the question: am I going to believe God in this?"

God had a specific plan for Abraham. Isaac's time to come into this world was part of that plan. God has a specific plan for you and for me, and he takes the same care in answering our prayers. God knows when to say yes - and how to deal with our tantrums when the answer is no. 
___________________________
Takeaway from today's lesson:  God knows and understands your frustration; keep believing. Trust God.


Prayer: God, I want to know that you are listening and that You care. Restore my hope in you when my belief falters. Amen.


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