For A While

You are finally here. After weeks and months of planning, you are here. It’s hot, but you don’t mind. You can almost feel the wind whipping through your hair already. A bead of sweat strolls lazily down your back, but your smile doesn’t waver. As you walk through the gates you grab a map. It’s not like you need one. You memorized the lay of the park even last night before you fell asleep, knowing which rides you would hit first. Your arms swing quickly to keep time with your step. Finally, you catch sight of it in the distance. Your eyes strain to read the sign at the entrance. When you get close enough, you can make it out. Wait time from this point: 1 hour.

Perhaps, you wait in line; but most likely, you will find somewhere else to go for a while.

Abraham never made it to Disney World, but he knew about waiting. God promised to raise many nations from Abram or Abraham, as he is later known. Our Sovereign One also pledged to him the land of Canaan. "To your offspring I will give this land." (Gen. 12:7 NIV) First, Abraham had no offspring. He and his wife Sarai had been trying for many years to have children, but up to this point were not successful. God promised many offspring, while Abraham waited. Then there was the issue of the land. When Abraham arrived in the promised territory, there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. (Gen. 12:10 NIV, emphasis mine)

Do you think Abraham was happy about the unexpected trip to Egypt? I’d venture to say not. God made a covenant and pledged him this land. In honor of the Lord, Abraham built two different altars on his journey to Cannan. He must have been on a spiritual high. I bet as he traveled, he was imagining just what life would be like in this land given to him by our Lord. So, finding the plans had changed was surely a let down.

Have you experienced a recent change in plans? Did you feel God let you down on a promise? Good news, friends. God always keeps His promises. Perhaps, you are in Egypt, but you long to be in Canaan. Don’t worry; God has a plan. You may just be there for a while because of a famine in the land. You don’t have to read far to find Abraham finally entering the promised land – it’s just in chapter 13.

Has God rerouted you to Egypt? If so, hang on. Your promised land may just be one chapter away.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O LORD, endures forever- do not abandon the works of your hands. Psalm 138:8 NIV

Visit Carol at sheep to the right!