Stuck in pause.

Genesis 12:1-9

Have you ever watched a movie and right at the best part, the frame is stuck on your T.V. screen?

Have you ever felt like your life was stuck in pause? In this new series, we are going to look at the great faith of Abraham, see some of his mistakes, see that our faith does not make us perfect, but realize how rich God is in faithfulness.

We know that Abraham is firmly secured in the Hero’s Hall of Fame found in Hebrews. The writer of Hebrews states, “By faith Abraham obeyed, by faith he dwelt in the land of promise and he waited for {expectantly and with confidence} the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

In our fast paced life who wants to wait. We have become impatient on the road and in lines and most of the time we find ourselves in the hurry up and wait mode.

Who is Abram?

He comes from the line of Shem {Noah’s son}. Abram is one of three sons born to Terah. The name Abram means, “The Father is exalted.” The bible tells us that he is very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

He is married to Sarai who the bible declares is barren.

God calls Abram.

Romans 8:28 says, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

God speaking to Abram was the first time God was speaking to man since He spoke to Noah.

With God calling Abram, we see Him working into Abram His everlasting purpose that had been planned before the foundation of the world. God’s choice of Abram was an act of divine sovereignty, with no explanation, but full of grace.

God’s call was very imperative, authoritative, and commanding.

God’s call was full of powerful and abundant with precious promises.

Abram has a lot on his mind. The barrenness of his wife, he has no idea where he is headed. He has to break ties with people he loves and cares for. While on this journey his father dies, but Abram is determined to trust the word of the Lord.

A strong faith in God will keep you from losing hope in our Father who is trustworthy.

God has a purpose for this church; He has a purpose for your life. We all feel at times as if our life is stuck in pause. We don’t always understand His delays; wondering when will we start enjoying the promises made to us.

We must hold to the fact that God can’t lie and that delays do not guarantee denials.

If we wait on the Lord we shall be renewed. If we will wait on the Lord His plan will be revealed, and we shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint.

Þ Look at verse 8 and see where Abram is. He is stuck in pause between Ai {a heap of ruins} and Bethel {the House of God}.

What shall we do while we wait or stuck in pause?

Obey.

Every step Abram made was an act of obedience. As he obeyed, God reassured him of His covenant saying, “To your descendants I will give this land.” Abram is obeying even though he knows he has no children.

Build an altar.

Þ On this altar we must call upon the Lord for strength and peace while we wait.

Þ On this altar, we must place ourselves under the mighty hand of God and receive His directive.

Þ On this altar, we must praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Þ On this altar we must rest in the promises of God.

To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear the second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Do not fret while you wait because it will be a self-inflicting wound, but rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him.