What event in your life caused you to trust? Typically, we remember events that cause us to distrust. For many, the concept of trust is a difficult path to take for various reasons. And since misery often loves company, we tend to spew our negative story rather than remember the positive one.
Events in our lives can chip away at the idea of trust or even belief. Maybe someone promised something and it didn’t come true. Maybe you shared a meaningful secret meant to stay private, but it became public. Maybe you gave your spiritual heart to a church or pastor only to be disappointed in their actions. In turn, you begin to distrust people and maybe even the Creator Himself.
I believe Abram in the study of Lech Lecha or “Get Yourself Out” is an example of a man learning to trust. Let’s take a moment to look at one of Abram’s growing moments.
When Abram left his home town he did so, believing YHWH would take care of him. For
“YHWH spoke to Abram saying, . . . I will make you a great nation and I will bless your name.” Genesis 12:1-3
So, Abram set out with all his possessions and family. He even built an altar unto Yah after being told that Canaan would be given to him. At this point, Abram’s faith seems to be supported in knowing Yah is speaking to him.
But shortly after Abram’s giant step to leave his family heritage he is met with a problem in the new land that he is traveling in. He becomes afraid of the idea that the Egyptian Pharoah could kill him and take his wife. Due to his fear, his trust is shaken and he begins to make up a false story that actually puts Sarai in even more peril.
How often have you had a spiritual mountain experience only to be threatened with a new faith challenge?
Abram decides to have faith in his own story rather than claim the power of “the outstretched arm” of Yahweh. Due to Abram’s lack of faith, Yahweh steps in and claims righteous ground.
“The Lord struck Pharoah and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife.” Genesis 12:17
Pharaoh then commands Abram to leave and even escorts him out of the city.
If we continue in Abram’s story, we find that the next “faith test” is found when there is trouble between the flocks of Lot and the flocks of Abram. To not cause strife, Abram suggests a solution of parting ways while giving Lot first choice. Lot, of course, “lifts up his eyes” and sees the valley of Jordan. Sodom and Gomorrah catch his attention because Scripture tells us that these cities had the appearance of Yah’s original garden.
So, imagine you are Abram. What would your faith look like if you were given the shorter end of the stick? I’m thinking that Abram has started to develop a deeper trust in Yah due to the actions of YHWH against Pharoah. Yah took a bad situation in Egypt and used it for His glory. So, in the case of best land choices, has Abram grown in such a way to be satisfied with Lot picking the best grazing lands? I know I’m speculating, but I think he has grown.
What’s the lesson? Abram remembers life actions and develops faith. We can do the same. When times challenge your faith or trust in Yah, remember the times He rescued you. Make a note of it and start walking the faith walk of Abram. It takes practice, even when we fall. What are your other options? For if a man loses faith, he has nothing to live for except himself.
Here are three helpful solutions if you are losing faith. Do they look similar to Abram’s walk?
- Commit and draw closer to Yahweh by recognizing your need. Humble yourself and let Him lead.
- Grow rather than walk away or give up. Decide to live a disciplined life of faith.
- Model a faith life even if you are imperfect. Find someone else that needs faith and your faith will grow.
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn