One of the things that make me marvel in the Word of God is the way some of the saints of Old, walked and talked with the God of Heaven! Some of the patriarchs had such an incredible walk with God, and it makes us wonder as to how we could have such an intimate walk with God! The God of the Heavens shared ‘His’ secrets with them! That’s a Wow factor for sure!!

“For the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.” Amos 3:7

One of the Patriarchs whom God called ‘His friend’, is Abraham. It is one thing for us to say that “God is our friend”, but it is entirely different when God calls someone, “His friend”. Each and everyone of us have that desperate desire in our hearts for God to call us, “His friend”, Don’t we? Here are some pointers from the life of Abraham, who had that kind of a friendship with God!

1. Absolute Obedience: Most of the time, when God speaks something to us, it is usually not comprehended by the human mind. In the life of Abraham, God appeared to Abraham one day, and just told him to leave his land of birth(familiar land) and go to a land that God will show Him. He just had to get up and trust God in the journey of the unknown. (Genesis 12:1-9) NOT EASY!

2. Trust God: The next test lasted in Abraham’s life for about 20 years! God promised that he would bless him with a child, and Abraham had to wait for about 20 years before that promise was fulfilled. And all along, the Bible says, he did not waver in his faith, but gave the glory to God fully trusting Him, that He who promised is able to fulfill His Word. 20 years waiting on a promise??? NOT EASY!

3. Tremble and Obey: The 3rd and the most difficult test was when God told Abraham to carry the Son whom He loved, and offer Him as a sacrifice. I tremble even as I type this out. Can you imagine the emotions of a Father? It’s unthinkable for you and I, ain’t it? But Abraham’s absolute trust in the hand of God, caused him to saddle up his stuff the very next day! NOT AT ALL EASY!!

One thin line that runs common in the points above is that Abraham didn’t have the ‘fear of man’ in his heart. He perhaps shuddered at the thought of having to face a broken-wounded wife, after he had slaughtered Isaac by his own hand, BUT that didn’t hinder him from obeying God anyways! Abraham had no fear of Man whatsoever!!!

Let’s look at our lives in comparison. This week, I told a lie…. perhaps a white lie, as the world calls it. After a quick analysis in my mind, I realised I said it bcoz of the ‘fear of Man’. When I was tormented as a result of my sin, this scripture really touched me.

“….the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom.” Songs of Solomon 2:15.

Our Vineyards(spirit man) are full of peace and quiet and Joy abounding, because Jesus is there! But these little sins in our lives come in like a fox and ravage our sweet communion with the Lord and Lo and Behold, the communication with God Almighty, is cut off!

The Bible says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

Our God indeed is a consuming fire but the beauty of His heart is that He desires to walk with you and me like He did with Moses, Abraham and David!

The question is, Are we fully ready to walk the journey of the unknown in complete surrender, like the Patriarchs of Old? Is pleasing man our priority or is it to live a life that is pleasing to God?

“for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.” John 12:43

We live to please the King, in every way!

Blessed day!