Find Us Faithful

We are given many to help us along the journey of our life. For those of us who have chosen a Christian walk, we can count many mentors in Scripture from whom we garner counsel. 

As I look to the Old Testament and the life and times of Abraham, I find encouragement. I decided to write him a letter. 

Dear Abe,

It is the year, 20012 A.D...many millenniums past the days you were here on earth and leading your life with faithfulness and trust in God. So much has happened and among the best of things is that we now have God’s Word written down. You are right in that book and I have come to know and admire you. I decided to write you a letter and tell you why.

Well, maybe I should explain the new name I’ve given to you. One custom in our day is that folks who are good friends often give each other what is called “nicknames”. Since you are acquainted with having your name changed, I did not think you would mind my boldness in giving you this one. I think we are kindred souls. That  might just help you smile as you wander up there in the heavens enjoying your eternal reward and understanding more fully all of the trials you faced here on earth.

 One of the things I admire about you, Abe, is that you were called a friend of God. God Himself told you that!  He spoke to you and you listened. Those of us who follow Him all these years later are also called his friends. But I think you were the first to hear Him say such a wonderful thing as He called you into a personal relationship.

I am so grateful that He blessed you and called you righteous just because you believed in Him. You trusted Him, learned to hear His voice, and were willing to follow His guidance as best you could. I also love that you did not always get it right. I don’t either. But you persevered and walked into many foreign lands not knowing what awaited  you and your family but just because God said to go.  He knew His plan. He trusted you. I, too, have wandered through  many mysterious times. I, too, have learned that God’s grace is there to sustain and, eventually, He can bring good out of whatever happens. 

I can view your life looking back upon it. You had to live your life moving forwards and, as you know,  it is not so clear to see the outcome. I know that you sacrificed your son, Ishmael, by sending him away. God brought good out of that and a new nation. I know that you were willing to sacrifice the son of your heart, Isaac,  but God intervened and honored your obedience and spared Isaac. All those descendants He promised you.....the ones that would number more than the stars He showed you in the sky...well, we are here and we grow day by day. I am one of your spiritual descendants. No wonder I can call you, Abe.

Many, many years after you lived, God Himself sacrificed His only  Son...only this was a completed sacrifice and we, His followers, are  now called righteous because of that sacrifice.That does not make my journey any easier than yours, but both of us have the experience of God’s Presence helping us to listen and learn. You have been a good mentor. 

 Thank you for helping me remember the value of believing in God’s promises, of trusting Him, of waiting even when my eyes cannot see and my heart aches for what seems impossible.

Well, Abe, I can be a gabby one when writing to a friend. It is best I get this flung up to the stars so you can read it. But I want to end with a little piece of  writing done by another one of God’s friends. I think that he must have also been a kindred soul of yours. He expresses so well more of what I have learned by reading about you. Here is what he said:

“It is your future,

Don’t back into it.

Don’t grope into its mists blindfolded.

Put the hand of your faith into the Hand of God.

Get used to His voice.

He warns you of dangers and strangers.

He leads you to experience His prepared future.

He does not disappoint.

There is always more for those who walk with Him.

He straightens question marks into exclamation points.”*

Okay, Abe, watch those stars. Here  comes a letter from one of your fans!

*To the best of my remembrance, this quote that is on a scrap of paper from a church bulletin I cut out 25+ years ago, was written by Chuck Swindoll.

Find Us Faithful

music/lyrics: Jon Mohr, recorded by: Steve Green

Watercolor sketch by Dave Peterson, friend of Lynn's. Thank you, Dave!