Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Jeff Seward

“Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. And Abimelech said, ‘I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.’ So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Then Abimelech asked Abraham, ‘What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?’ And he said, ‘You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.’ Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.” Genesis 21:25-31 (NKJV)

God will bring and allow testing of your faith. In those daily tests, He promises to help you with every decision and challenge you face.

Often those tests come in relationships with people and often with non-Christians. As believers, we must be careful in our relationships, especially with those outside the body of Christ (Colossians 4:5, 1 Timothy 3:7). You may work or go to school with non-Christians. Perhaps you are in a partnership with an unbeliever, a member of your family or a friend. 

In 2007, I invested in a financial relationship with an unbelieving friend; even after I was questioned by my wife whether it was a good idea. After twelve long years of waiting, we are still hoping to regain our investment. The countless times my wife and I heard promises of getting our money returned would set a Guinness World Record. But as difficult as this has been, the Lord has revealed to us to release it to Him and leave it with Him! We want to be at peace with the Lord and our friend. If the Lord wills to have it returned, that is His call.

For Abraham, there was a conflict over a well he owned. The situation could have been worse; however, Abraham did the right thing by showing consideration to this man by going the extra mile. He gave the king seven lambs for future profit as a gesture of kindness and favor, even though he did not have to.

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, says in Matthew 5:39-41 (NKJV), “But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”

This is a great exhortation the Lord calls us to live by. Romans 12:18 (NKJV) says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

Do the right thing and God will be glorified.

DIG: How have you handled a conflict or dispute biblically?

DISCOVER: If you are in a conflict, consider how to show genuine favor and reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18).

DO: Job declares in Job 7:18 that God tests us in every moment. Every day there will be a test in God’s school. But be of good courage, there is a lesson to learn.