SCRIPTURE: Genesis 21:22-34

22: And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
23: Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
24: And Abraham said, I will swear.
25: And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away…
34: And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: GOD’S PRESENCE CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE VISIBLY DIFFERENT

There are seasons in life when God works quietly behind the scenes. Then comes a time when what God has been doing in secret becomes visible to others. In Genesis 21, Abraham had experienced God’s faithfulness through the birth of Isaac. Now, even Abimelech, a king, could see that God was with Abraham. He said: “God is with you in everything you do” (v. 22). Abraham’s blessing was no longer something only he could testify about. Others could see the evidence of God’s presence in his life. Abimelech recognized something unusual about Abraham: God was with him. God’s blessing is not merely material prosperity. It includes His presence, favour, protection, wisdom, peace and fruitfulness.

Abraham did not use his position to take advantage of Abimelech. When a dispute arose concerning a well, Abraham addressed it openly and settled the matter peacefully. God’s blessing should never make us arrogant, dishonest or oppressive.

Micah 6:8: God requires us to do what is right, love mercy and walk humbly with Him. Blessing without character can become a burden; blessing with integrity becomes a testimony. Abraham’s greatest testimony was not merely that he became wealthy or influential. His greatest testimony was that others could see that God was with him. May God so bless your life that people will not only hear you talk about God but see the evidence of God’s presence in you.

ASSIGNMENT
Identify three ways you have seen God’s presence in your life.

PRAYER
Father, let Your presence upon my life become evident to everyone around me.