Reflection on Genesis 18:1–15
Many
say they cannot believe in God because they cannot believe in miracles. But
overruling natural physical laws isn’t a problem for a God who put those laws
in place to begin with. Part of the very definition of God’s deity is that his
power transcends human power. Miracles are part of his nature. If we believe
that there is a God who created the world, every other miracle—a healing,
having a child in old age or even a resurrection—is easy to believe. Both
Abraham (see Genesis 17:17) and Sarah
(see Genesis 18:12 )
laughed in temporary disbelief, but they did eventually believe. And because of
their faith, they received the fulfillment of God’s promise—and the last laugh
(see Genesis 21:1–7).
A SOLID BELIEF SYSTEM
Romans 8:15
You have received a
spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!"
Claire
attended a church college ministry I was involved in several years ago. On a
physical, material level, Claire had absolutely nothing going for her. She had
a dumpy figure and a bad complexion. Her father was a drunken bum who had
deserted his family. Her mother worked two menial jobs just to make ends meet.
Her older brother, a drug addict, was always in and out of the house.
When
I first met Claire I was sure she was the ultimate wallflower. I didn't think
there was any way she could compete for acceptance in a college-aged society
which is attracted to physical beauty and material success. But to my delight,
I learned that everybody in the group liked Claire and loved to be around her.
She had lots of friends. And eventually she married the nicest guy in our
college department.
What
was her secret? Claire simply believed what she perceived herself to be: a
child of God. She accepted herself for who God said she was in Christ, and she
confidently committed herself to God's great goal for her life: to be conformed
to His image and to love people. She wasn't a threat to anyone. Instead, she
was so positive and caring toward others that everyone loved her.
Claire's
experiences illustrate the importance of establishing our Christian lives on
what we believe instead of how we behave. She knew that she couldn't compete
with the world, so she gladly accepted her spiritual heritage, believed God,
and lived accordingly. We need a firm grip on God's Word before we will
experience much success at practical Christianity. We need to understand who we
are as a result of who God is and what He has done. A productive Christian
behavior system is the byproduct of a solid Christian belief system, not the
other way around.
Prayer: Thank You for
the Claires in my world, Lord, who reflect Your beauty. Forgive me for focusing
on myself instead of looking to You and seeking Your eternal qualities.
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