During the last week of December, my mom forwarded an email to me from my uncle inviting all those in the family who were interested to join him in reading through the Bible this year. While I do not make new year's resolutions, this was something that I decided to add to my personal list of goals for 2011.
As I was reading along in Genesis 19, which is the story about two angels meeting with Lot in Sodom and encouraging him to leave the city prior to its imminent destruction, I read verse 16 which begins, "But he hesitated."
...and my eyes stopped their forward progress.
What an incredible statement. I believe that every word included in Scripture is there for a purpose (2 Tim. 3:16). Lot's hesitant response to the angels was significant enough to where it warranted a place in Scripture to be read for generations to follow.
I began to consider this statement. What makes me hesitate? For every reason that I came up with, the Holy Spirit instantly brought a verse to my mind to show me that there is never a need to hesitate when you place your faith in the Lord.
I hesitate when:
I am unsure of myself or have low self-confidence
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
I am afraid or perceive danger
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; They rod and Thy staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows." (Luke 12:7)
I'm not sure which way to go (in terms of decision-making)
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)
"Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day." (Psalm 25:5)
I want to cling to the "known" or what is comfortable
"Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
"Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2)
The rest of Genesis 19:16 reads, "So the men seized his hand and the hand of his wife and the hands of his daughters, for the compassion of the Lord was upon him; and they brought him out, and put him outside the city."
Again...what an amazing and encouraging verse that shows the absolute mercy of our Lord! It shows me that the Lord does understand that we are frail human beings who struggle with our emotions and living a life of faith. "The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
I was reminded again this week that I am forever safe in the arms of my gracious and compassionate Father. I am inspired anew to live my life "all out" for the Lord...
...without hesitation.
