So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him. (Gen. 12:7)
A young woman was traveling and developed pneumonia during an extended business trip. She was admitted to the local hospital, and because of the severity of her case, was told she would be there for several days. Miles from home, she now faced the reality of being in an unfamiliar hospital, hours from anyone she knew. The next day, when her family arrived at her hospital room, she was overcome with relief. She was still critically ill, but she was no longer alone.
Even though Abram was following God, it would have been daunting to enter an unknown land and live among unknown people. Abram had every right to feel scared, alone, and unsure. It was in the midst of these emotions that God appeared to him. God knew Abram needed the reassuring presence of the Lord. And as a way to honor the appearance of the Lord and remember it in the future, Abram built an altar.
Although followers of Christ know that he is always with us, there are times when we need an extra awareness of the presence of the Lord. Life can leave us tired, discouraged, and isolated. And although the situations around us may not change, the wonderful truth is that God already knows when we need his presence, and he lovingly reveals himself when we need it most.
Ask for a new awareness of Christ’s presence in your life.
Carla Working copastors a Wesleyan church in Huntington, Indiana, with her husband. She also works for the Crossroads District as a ministry liaison.
© 2021 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
