Scriptures:
Genesis 13:1-18
Colossians 1 MSG
Points:
1. Trust the source, not what you see
2. There is more than enough
3. Death to FOMO
The Big Idea: When we know God is the source, the promise is sure.
The Source of Our Promise
In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We find ourselves chasing after success, validation, and material possessions, believing these things will bring us fulfillment. But what if we’ve been looking in the wrong places all along?
The truth is, there’s a greater promise available to us – one that transcends our earthly pursuits and connects us to something far more profound. This promise isn’t rooted in what we can see or touch, but in an unshakeable source that has been constant throughout history.
Colossians 1 says:
“We look at the Son and we see the God who cannot be seen. We look at the Son and see God’s original purpose in everything created. For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible, rank after rank after rank of angels – everything got started in Him and finds its purpose in Him.”
Everything in existence, from the grandest celestial bodies to the tiniest atoms, finds its origin and purpose in God. He is the ultimate source – the beginning and the end, towering above all else.
But how often do we truly live with this perspective? It’s all too easy to get caught up in the immediate, the tangible, the “green pastures” that seem appealing to our earthly senses. We see this illustrated in the story of Abraham and Lot from Genesis 13.
When conflict arose between their herdsmen, Abraham (then called Abram) offered Lot the choice of land. Lot, seeing the lush Jordan plains, chose what appeared most favorable to the eye. Abraham, on the other hand, trusted in God’s promise and remained in Canaan – a decision that would prove pivotal in the fulfillment of God’s covenant.
This story teaches us something crucial: just because something looks good doesn’t mean it’s God’s best for us. The green pastures of life – whether they be attractive relationships, lucrative job offers, or enticing opportunities – aren’t always aligned with God’s plan. Our challenge is to go with the source, not just what we see.
But this isn’t always easy. We’re often plagued by FOMO – the fear of missing out. We worry that if we don’t seize every opportunity or experience, we’ll somehow miss out on life’s rewards. This fear can drive us to make hasty decisions, to compete unnecessarily, or to feel constantly dissatisfied with our current circumstances.
The truth is, when we truly understand that God is our source, we can let go of this fear. There’s more than enough in God’s economy for everyone. As Colossians 1 beautifully puts it, “So spacious is He, so roomy, that everything of God finds its proper place in Him without crowding.”
Imagine living with the confidence that what God has intended for your life cannot be taken away by someone else’s success or choices. This was the assurance that allowed Abraham to let Lot choose first. He knew that God, as the source, would provide for him regardless of Lot’s decision.
This perspective shift doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of faith, one that requires us to continually remind ourselves of God’s goodness and sovereignty. Lysa TerKeurst, a leader who faced unexpected challenges in her life, developed a powerful daily affirmation:
“God is good. God is good to me. God is good at being God.”
These simple statements encapsulate a profound truth. When we anchor ourselves in the belief that God is not only good but also competent in His role as the divine orchestrator of our lives, we can face any circumstance with hope and confidence.
Perhaps you’re at a crossroads in your life, feeling like you’ve missed out on opportunities or that your dreams haven’t materialized as you’d hoped. Take heart in knowing that God’s plan for your life is not limited by your past choices or current circumstances. He is able to work all things together for good, even when we can’t see how.
Consider the promises given to Abraham in Genesis 13:14-17:
“Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”
This promise wasn’t just for Abraham – it extends to us as well. We are heirs to these promises through faith in Christ. But to fully embrace them, we must shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal, from the visible to the invisible.
As we navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, let’s strive to maintain this eternal perspective. Instead of being driven by competition or fear, let’s choose to celebrate others’ successes, knowing that God’s blessings are not limited resources to be hoarded.
Today, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on where you’re placing your trust. Are you relying on your own strength, your relationships, your job, or your achievements as your source? Or are you anchoring yourself in the unchanging, all-sufficient God who promises to provide for all your needs?
Remember, when we know God is the source, the promise is sure. Let this truth permeate every aspect of your life – your decisions, your relationships, your ambitions. As you do, you’ll find a peace and assurance that transcends circumstances, allowing us to live as a true people of promise.
Discussion Questions
- How might our lives change if we truly believed and lived as though God is the source of everything, rather than relying on what we can see or achieve on our own?
- In what ways have you experienced the tension between trusting God’s promises and being tempted to take matters into your own hands, like Abraham’s journey with Lot?
- How can we cultivate a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity in our spiritual lives, especially when facing challenges or comparing ourselves to others?
- What are some practical ways we can combat FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) in our spiritual journeys and instead trust in God’s unique plan for each of us?
- How does the concept of being ‘co-heirs with Christ’ impact our understanding of God’s promises and our place in His story?
- In what areas of your life do you struggle to believe that ‘just because it’s green doesn’t mean it’s God,’ and how can you discern God’s will in these situations?
- How can we balance pursuing our dreams and ambitions with surrendering to God’s sovereign plan, as illustrated in the speaker’s story about her career path?
- What does it mean to you personally to be a ‘people of promise,’ and how might this identity shape your decisions and outlook on life?
- How can we cultivate a community that celebrates each other’s successes and blessings, rather than competing or feeling left out of God’s promises?
- In what ways can we apply the affirmation ‘God is good, God is good to me, God is good at being God’ to strengthen our faith during challenging times?
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