Today’s scripture: Romans 4:1-12 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Genese Parker):
When I was a kid I used to listen to the Bible stories and think the choices that people made in the Bible were exactly the right thing to do. Now as an adult, I have come to understand that some stories in the Bible are actually stories of “what NOT to do”. Other stories are about how God forgives and involves people in God’s plan to redeem humanity.
In spite of our shortcomings, in spite of the sins that we may keep repeating over and over, God consistently invites us to participate in bringing God’s justice, peace and grace to our world. The story of Abraham’s life is one such story.
Abraham had a “trust” issue. Abraham misled people about his wife being his sister. Abraham took matters into his own hands to have a child instead of trusting that God would follow through on the promise to give Abraham more descendants than he could count. These are just a couple of examples of Abraham’s short comings, not willing to trust God. Yet, in Romans 4, it is stated that “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” In other words, Abraham was a regular guy who lived his life and took matters into his own hands when he lost patience in God’s plan.
Yet, God gave him another chance. God chose to use Abraham regardless. In spite of all of his shortcomings, “Abraham believed God and it was credited to God as righteousness.” This concept blows me away. So often we think that we need to be perfect in order to be used by God. God rewards those who keep the commandments, right? But God also understands that as human beings we struggle to do things exactly right, so God extends grace to us. In the story of Abraham we see that God believes in giving second chances and that “believing” (not just head knowledge, but living that belief) in God goes a long way. In the Bible, Abraham’s belief in God and what God had promised him earned him the title of “Righteous”. Why? God knows our heart.
God knows that we can struggle to make the right decisions. We also do things that disappoint God. God never gives up on us. The condition of our hearts, our faith, our belief and trust in God are actually the most important aspects of cultivating a relationship with God. God knows we are not perfect. God knows we will mess up. But God has a plan for our lives. God has a plan for you!
Thought for the day: What dream or plan might God invite you to participate in? Do you choose to believe God in spite of your shortcomings?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.