I don’t know about you, but patience doesn’t come that easy for me. When it comes to God, I wish he would do his thing yesterday.
I can relate to Abram.
In chapter 15, we see now the fourth time that God speaks to Abram, but the first time that Abram talks back. Did you notice that? And I don’t get the picture that Abram’s in a good mood.
“Hey God, wake up to reality. You sound like a broken record. We’ve been doing this thing awhile now, you and me. But my life isn’t any different. I don’t feel any different. Is this ever going to happen?”
Actually, I think I’ve said this a time or two to God.
And then God answers Abram back and they go through this formalized ritual that involves cutting animals in half. If you’ve ever chopped a cow, goat, and sheep in half (full disclosure: I have not), it’s probably a bloody mess.
Turns out, in the ancient world, this is a pretty standard way deals were made. It’s a symbol saying, If I break the deal, you get to chop me in two just like these animals. That’s the kind of deal God makes with Abram. God takes all the risk.
And so, just like he does here with Abram, maybe day by day, little bit by little bit, God is changing me. Maybe God’s plan is more epic and long-term than mine.
What about you? What do you see?
Fiftyeight 