Genesis 20:11 –  Abraham replied, “Because I thought…”

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was drawn to the transition from Abram to Abraham. It pictures our development in God and our spiritual walk.

• As Abram, he encountered the Living Creator God. 
• As Abram, God cut the covenant with Him. 
• As Abram, he received the promise of an heir from his loins even in old age.

In Genesis 17, he received the directive, “Walk before me and be blameless.” God placed that condition on the confirmation of the Covenant, which included an heir and the Promised Land.  As God saw his heart, he received the name change.  Abram means “exalted father.”  He came from a noble lineage.  Abraham means “father of a multitude.”   It was a constant reminder of God’s covenant.

Abraham’s journey was one in which his flesh ruled him.  He lied about his wife.  In Genesis 20, his explanation was, “I thought…”   Proverbs 3:5-6 is the remedy.

• He became the man known as the father of faith or faithfulness. 
• He became a man known for having his prayers answered.
• He became a man God could trust, bless, and use.
• He became the depository of the promise. He carried the seed of salvation in his heart and body.

We are all in transition.  Setbacks must not be stopping places, but life lessons.  Failures must not identify us but become reminders of the danger of trusting the flesh.   

We want a utopia or storybook life. God wants a surrendered heart that trusts and serves no matter what.  He wants those who, like Abram, are willing to go places they have never been to become what they had never dreamed they could.    People who, like orthodox Peter, will go where directed, even though they do not know what or why.  Total Trust.  We want to be happy in the flesh; God wants to promote us to a higher place, Joy!

Happiness is tied to conditions, circumstances, and people.   Joy is a divine supernatural condition that is birthed in surrender and trust!  He wants to change our names (hearts) so we can fulfill our purpose! Stop allowing conditions, events, people, or things to be your focus.

Become who He designed you to be!  You are God’s heir! Victory or defeat is conditioned in our thoughts about God, ourselves, and our circumstances.  Through the lens of the Cross, we can see victory and become victorious!

Today would be a great day to give it all to God.