There are things in our lives, relationships, habits, and pursuits, that can almost invisibly hold us back. I know there have been times when I tried so hard to please someone or earn something that it consumed all of my time and attention. Without realizing it, I find myself separating from God, dethroning Him as Lord over my life. Then I would wonder why I could not hear His voice clearly.
In Genesis chapter 13, we read the story of Abram, later called Abraham, separating from his nephew Lot. Abram had been a father figure to Lot, caring for him since his brother, Lot’s father, had died. As you read the account, you may begin to notice Lot’s sense of entitlement. He does not seem grateful for all his uncle had done for him. When the time came for them to separate, Abram told Lot to choose where he wanted to go. Lot chose the land that appeared to be the best.
The promise called for separating
Lot’s Modus Operandi (MO) was to think of Lot and Lot alone. Again and again, he chose what benefited him most. Later, when he needed rescuing from Sodom, he hesitated when the opportunity to leave was given.
Looking more closely at the story of their separation, Abram had been promised an inheritance by God, the land of Canaan. Yet up to that point, he had not received it. The land could no longer support both Abram’s and Lot’s flocks, and tension began to arise between them. Lot was in the way of Abram fully receiving what God had promised. Through this separation, God was making room to fulfill His promise to Abram.
After Lot left, the Lord said to Abram, “Look all around you - to the north and south and east and west. All this land that you see I will give to you and your descendants forever. I will make your descendants as many as the dust of the earth. If anyone could count the dust on the earth, he could count your people. Get up! Walk through all this land because I am now giving it to you.”
Genesis 13:14-17 (NCV)
Is there something in your life you need to separate from because it is keeping you from your Promised Land? Perhaps it is a relationship, a habit, or a pursuit that consumes your time and attention. Surely it was not easy for Abram to let Lot go, but he did, trusting God’s promise above his own comfort. And when he did, the land became his. As God said to Abram in Genesis 13:17, “Get up! Walk through all this land because I am now giving it to you.”
What might happen in your life if you, too, step back from what is holding you back and allow God to guide your next step? Take a moment today to ask Him for the wisdom to recognize what needs to be released, and the courage to let it go.
