November 18, 2011

Genesis 12:2- "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."

This verse starts the saga of the beginnings of the Jewish nation.  So preachers and commentators focus on Abraham's obedience and the God's miracle of allowing Abraham and Sarah to conceive their first child when well advanced in years.  Certainly these are two aspect of the story that are deserving of lessons and sermons.  BUT Blackaby, brings out another aspect of the story.

What Blackaby highlights is the fact that from Genesis 12 until the birth of Isaac, twenty-five years passed.  God's plans for Abraham did not change during that quarter of a century, but Abraham surely did.  When God made the promise to Abraham, God knew that Abraham was not ready for the fulfillment of the blessing.  Much more character shaping was required before the nation building could begin.

Over the past several years, there have been times I have felt led to become more involved in the church and Christian service, but those doors of opportunities remained closed.  It was only after I allowed God to shape my character, increase my knowledge and focus my spirit did service opportunities present themselves.

If you are feeling underutilized when it comes to Kingdom service, perhaps God is still doing some character shaping to help prepare you for that service.  Maybe God needs to work in you before you can work for Him.