Matthew 7:11, “So if you, despite being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
There are people who sometimes stand frozen when faced with a major decision. They wait for God’s voice to tell them the answer. If they don’t hear His voice, they delay any decision further. Why is this?
Can it be we excuse ourselves into thinking that God’s will is contrary to our heart’s desire? Do we hesitate, thinking the will of God is for us to become a “suffering servant” bound by some tyrannical law? Are we unable to hear His voice due to chaos in our lives?
From my perspective, I see the life of Abraham as something that confounds all of those questions.
Yes, Abraham’s life was filled with trials, but it was also filled with triumph. His adventures in faith brought him to a solid, unmovable belief in YHWH God. And in so doing, the Scriptures tells us that he lived to a “ripe old age, satisfied with life, and was gathered to his people.” Gen. 25:8
So how did Abraham know God’s will?
I believe the first step in recognizing the will of God is to believe in God. Paul writes about this in the book of Romans while quoting from the Book of Genesis.
“And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned as righteousness.” Gen 15:6
“The promise to Abraham or to his descendants, that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Rom. 4:13
Once a person believes in YHWH, I believe the next step is to Listen and Obey God’s commands. So, how do we hear YHWH? Do the Biblical examples of visions, events, prophets, testimony, the laying out of fleece, drawing straws, and even a still small voice are ways that God speaks tell us?
In the case of Abraham, it is clear that YHWH directly speaks to him. In Genesis 12, God tells Abraham to go forth from his country and to leave the house of his father.
What happens next? Abraham goes forth without a single challenge, complaint, or a need for clarification. He hears and he obeys.
Another lesson we can learn from Abraham is to remember mile posts to grow our faith.
Throughout Abraham’s journey in the book of Genesis, you will notice that Abraham is always building altars to the Lord. These altars recognize God’s faithfulness. They serve as reminders that we are not alone and that God has been faithful.
How often do we forget the milestones of faith in our journey with YHWH?
Of course there will be times, that we act out in good faith without hearing from God. Sometimes this can end up well and at other times not so well. But again, we can also see this play out in Abraham’s life.
Right after Abraham steps out in faith to leave Ur, he experiences a famine and goes down to Egypt. Upon noticing Egypt’s culture, he comes up with a personal plan to save himself rather than trust in God.
At first glance, we see that YHWH still supports Abraham by moving Pharoah’s heart to turn away from Abraham’s wife. But in Pharoah’s attempt to compensate Abraham—servants from Egypt are given to Abraham. It’s one of these Egyptian servants by the name of Hagar (Gen. 16:3), who eventually causes disruption, putting doubt in the minds of Abraham and Sarah as to the promised heir.
Abraham had to learn to trust again. Ishmael was a product of Abraham and Hagar. But, the promise (the will of God) would be given though Isaac, the offspring of Abraham and Sarah.
YHWH established a path for Abraham to rebuild confidence in The Word of Yah after Hagar.
In the above examples, some may ask, “God spoke to Abraham therefore he needs to speak to me before I move towards life choices.”
Have you considered that He has already spoken about His will for us?
Let us consider His will:
“Do Justice, to love kindness (mercy) and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
“The conclusion when all has been heard, is fear YHWH and keep his commandments, because this applies to every person.” Eccl. 12:13
The Children of God are referred to those “who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Yeshua (Jesus).” “Therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name.” Heb. 13:15
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Yeshua Messiah for you.” I Thess. 5:16-18
In closing, I believe we need to recognize that YHWH is God. He decides when and how to speak to us. He may even speak before we know Him. But if He does speak, we are called to believe, listen, and obey.
How do we know His voice? We begin to know Him when we follow His will as outlined in the above Biblical texts. In doing so, our lives change. Our attention changes. And, our desires change.
How does this answer questions about careers, major moves, and overall life direction? Consider the verse we started with today, “A loving Father desires to give you good gifts.”
Like Abraham, we will face drought, we will face overwhelming odds, we will face doubt, we will work with people we don’t even get along with. Life is life. Embrace it.
Move forward while learning to overcome the odds through faith. (Heb. 11:1)
Be blessed this Sabbath,
Rollyn