Genesis 11 through 15

In chapter 11 God turns His people's language into babble and spreads them through out the earth. I always liked this story...simply because to me it explained why everyone else talks in different languages. We all used to speak one language, but being able to talk to one another caused a problem. The people decided that they were going to build a tower to Heaven and we're able to do this because they could communicate with this. God knew that if they could do this, then they could do other things, so He made it so they could no longer communicate and no longer live close by one another. I think there is a bigger picture to why God did this. I don't believe its because He doesn't want us to communicate - how the world would be a mess if that were true! But I believe His reasoning behind this (and maybe I'm wrong) is because they were able to do something without Him. They didn't need God to get to Heaven! They were just going to build a tower to get there! Needing God is important and He wanted His people to realize it!

In the chapters 12 through 15 the Bible talks about Abram. God tells Abram "Leave your country, your family, and your father's home for a land that I will show you." -Genesis12:1 (the message). He explains to Abram if he does this he will be blessed, so Abram trusting God and His word leaves his country, his family, and his father's home. There are hard times - how can there not be when you leave what you know? But still Abram's listens to God and continues on his journey. In chapter 15 God speaks to Abram in a vision. He says, "Don't be afraid, Abram. I'm your shield. Your reward will be grand."-Genesis15:1(the message). Abram, still, however, has his doubts. He asks God - how do I know this will all be mine? And what good is it if I do not have a son? In the end God makes a covenant with Abram telling him that he will give this land to Abram's children.

I thought about a few things as I read. One was how often does God tell me to go somewhere? I've heard Him a few times...sometimes going...sometimes ignoring Him. Yet, God is not telling me to go just to go. There is a reason behind it. There is a plan. God may have at times told me to leave my home, my family, and my friends and yes, maybe it would have been super hard, but along with Him telling me that I am sure there would have been blessings to follow. Maybe there would have been blessings for me...how can there not be when listening to God? When following Him? When obeying Him? Maybe there would have been blessings for others, which, would be so good because my heart, the heart God has placed in me does love to help others. Yet, I haven't always done what God has told me to do. Even though I know at times God has told me, just like He told Abram..."Do not be afraid, daughter. I'm your shield."

I hope next time I listen because that is what this has told me:
-Listen more to God.
-Do not be afraid.
-He is always with you, no matter where you go.
-His plans for you are bigger than you know.

Thought of today: "God doesn't play dice" He isn't trying new things out on my life. He isn't guessing at the outcomes. He made me. He knows me. He has everything under His control.

I have to remind myself of that daily, sometimes, even multiple times a day. God knows my past. He knows my future. It was all part of His plan. He isn't playing some game and deciding as my life goes along. Everything-ALL in life-is under His control.

PRAISE God for His love. PRAISE God for His plan. Praise God for having His hand over all my life!