Series: Called To Promise [#4]
MOVING TOWARD FAITH
Genesis 13:1-18
Introduction:
In our text, we witness Abram’s journey as he moves away from conflict and confusion toward a divine promise of blessing. This passage reminds us, that God's call often involves stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Abram’s willingness to separate from Lot and trust in God's guidance exemplifies how obedience and faith pave the way for God's blessings to unfold in our lives. As we explore this story, we are reminded that moving toward God's blessing requires intentional obedience, humility, and a readiness to follow His leading, even when it means leaving behind what is familiar.
Today, we are invited to reflect on how God's promises are not just distant ideals but accessible realities that we move toward through faith and obedience. Just as Abram’s journey was marked by God's gracious provision and promises, our own spiritual journey involves trusting in God's timing and His plan for our lives. As we delve into Genesis 13, may we be encouraged to step forward with confidence, knowing that as we move toward God's promises, He faithfully blesses and sustains us every step of the way.
Genesis 13:1-4
Moving toward…
1. Restoration.
Abram’s return to Bethel shows he is moving back toward restoration- Both in his life and his relationship with God. The Bible teaches us that God's grace is always there to help us start fresh, even after we have made mistakes or faced difficulties. Despite what Abram went through, God remained faithful and guided him back to the place where he first met Him. This reminds us that God wants us to come back to Him whenever we stray or feel distant. Practically, it means that no matter how far we’ve gone or how hard life gets, God's mercy is calling us to return to Him through prayer, worship, and trusting in His love. Moving toward restoration is about taking steps to reconnect with God so we can experience His blessings again.
In our daily lives, this point encourages us to actively seek reconciliation with God and others. Just like Abram returned to Bethel, we are called to turn back to the Lord, knowing that His grace is always enough to restore what has been lost or broken. Moving toward restoration isn’t passive; it takes humility, repentance, and faith. When we do this, we open ourselves up to receiving God's healing and blessings, and we can move forward with hope, confident that His love will restore and renew us.
Genesis 13:5-9
Moving toward…
2. Generosity and unity.
Abraham and Lot’s decision to separate shows a move away from fighting and selfishness toward giving and unity. Spiritually, this story teaches us that God wants His people to promote peace and blessings rather than conflict. Abraham’s kind offer to let Lot choose 1st shows his trust in God and his desire for harmony. It reminds us that real blessings come when we put others’ needs before our own. In everyday life, this means practicing kindness, sharing, and working to keep peace in our families, friends, and community. When we choose to be generous and humble like Abraham, we reflect God's love and help build stronger, more united relationships.
Moving toward generosity and unity takes intentionally trusting God and being humble. When we focus on helping others and show grace instead of fighting or competing, we show Christ’s love and become part of His plan to bless others. In practical ways, this might mean giving up our time, resources, or preferences to help keep peace. As we choose kindness and humility, we help restore broken relationships and build unity in our Churches and Communities. This story encourages us to follow Abraham’s example by trusting God, being generous, and working for peace, knowing that God will bless us as we seek to live in harmony and show His love to others.
Genesis 13:10-13
Moving toward…
3. Faith and obedience.
Abram chooses to separate from Lot, showing us how important it is to move away from things in the World that can keep us from growing closer to God. Spiritually, this teaches us that trusting God and obeying Him are key steps on our way to receiving His blessings. Even though it was hard to part with Lot, Abram trusted God's plan and chose to follow God’s promises instead of holding on to temporary comforts or possessions. Practically, this means we should think about what things, (like sin, bad habits, or distractions) might be stopping us from living the way God wants. Just like Abram moved away from the temptation of worldly riches and easy comfort, we are called to intentionally step away from anything that pulls us away from obeying God.
This passage encourages us to actively seek faith and obedience as the way to experience God’s blessings. Moving toward faith means trusting that God is in control, even when we don’t understand what’s ahead. Moving toward obedience means making choices that please God, even if it’s difficult. Practically, this can be done through prayer, reading the Bible, and making decisions based on what God teaches us. When we do these things, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings, just as Abram’s obedience brought him closer to God’s promises. In the end, moving away from worldly things and toward trusting obedience helps us grow closer to God and receive His best for our lives.
Genesis 13:14-18
Moving toward…
4. God's blessing.
God tells Abram to look all around him, (North, South, East, and West) and promises to give him that land. This shows that God's blessings come from His promises, not just because of what we do. Abram’s obedience to move his tent and settle in Canaan shows he trusted God’s plan, even if he didn’t see everything happen right away. Moving in faith means depending on God’s guidance and trusting that He will lead us into His good blessings. It reminds us that to receive God's best, we need to follow Him and step out in faith, trusting that He will provide.
Practically, this story encourages us to take steps toward the blessings God has promised us. It’s about making intentional choices- Deciding to follow God’s way instead of staying where we’re comfortable. Just like Abram moved physically to a new land, we are called to move from hesitation and doubt to obedience and trust. This movement isn’t just physical; it’s also spiritual. It means giving control to God, asking for His guidance, and taking small steps of faith. When we do this, we position ourselves to experience God's blessings, realizing that His promises require us to trust and act in faith.
Conclusion:
As we reflect on the journey of Abraham in Genesis 13, we see a powerful reminder that moving toward God's blessing requires faith, obedience, and a willingness to trust His promises even when the path seems uncertain. Just as Abraham separated from worldly distractions and focused on God's calling, we too are invited to relinquish our selfish pursuits and align our lives with God's divine plan. When we choose to walk in obedience and step out in faith, we position ourselves to receive the abundant blessings that God longs to pour into our lives, transforming us and guiding us toward His purpose.
Today, I invite you to respond to God's call. If you feel led to move closer to His blessing, whether it's surrendering control, forgiving someone, or trusting Him anew, I encourage you to come forward and make that commitment. God's love is waiting to embrace you, and His blessings are ready to overflow in your life. Don’t delay- Step out in faith now and allow God to lead you into the fullness of His blessings.
