Take your choice.

The thirteenth chapter of the book of Genesis tells us Abram, soon to be renamed Abraham by God, told his nephew Lot, “The whole countryside is open to you. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate.”

Although Abram had every right to choose where he would live and send Lot elsewhere, that’s not what he did. Abram trusted God enough to know whichever section of the land Lot choose, God would continue to be with Abram and provide exceedingly more than necessary.

Abram had proof of God’s faithfulness. He had proof of God’s favor. Abram did not need to press his advantage over his nephew as elder of the family.

He did not need to remind his nephew how greatly Lot had benefited from Abram’s generosity. Abram simply put his future in God’s capable hands and trusted him. The same way he did the day he left his home for someplace God would show him.

Where Abram was generous, Lot was selfish.

Lot chose the best of the land. In doing so, he pitched his tent among the ungodly of Sodom and Gomorrah. If we remember the final days of these two cities, we remember things did not go well. Think fire, brimstone, and a pillar of salt.

By choosing the best land when Abram told Lot to take his choice, Lot showed unbelief in Abram’s God to provide. Lot’s choice showed a spirit of greediness and pride. I also believe it showed a lack of gratefulness for all Abram had done for Lot. 

As I ponder this story of Abram and Lot, I wonder how many times, like Lot, we’ve chosen poorly when God tells us to take our choice.

How many times have we looked over the land of God’s provision, and felt there might not be enough to sustain us?

How many times have we been gripped by fear, and pitched our tent among the ungodly?

How often have we thought of ourselves first, been greedy, acted selfishly, and given little regard for the needs of others?

Instead of behaving like Lot when Abram told him to take his choice, perhaps we should behave more like Abram.

Perhaps we should trust God enough to know he will provide for us, regardless of where another’s choice leaves us.

Have you seen that to be true in your life?

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I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Take your choice of any section of the land you want, and we will separate. If you want that part over there to the east, then I’ll stay here in the western section. Or, if you want the west, then I’ll go over there to the east.” Genesis 13:9 TLB

You can find my July Inspire a Fire post here. Please stop by and read it.

I wish you well.

Sandy

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