Still standing before God - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

Abraham still stood before the LORD.

Abraham went early ... to the place where he had stood before the LORD. God remembered Abraham.
Genesis 18:22; 19:27.29.

Still standing before God
Abraham had the extraordinary privilege of being called "the friend of God" (James 2:23), because he was a man of faith who maintained a personal relationship with God and believed His promises, even though fulfilment seemed impossible (cf. Romans 4:18). The source of his faith and confidence was his regular, intimate contact with God. He "still stood before God", an expression revealing his manner of life. Abraham told God all his worries, doubts, queries and the needs of his relatives.

In this extract (Genesis 18) it is the fate of his nephew Lot that preoccupied him. We, too, can be concerned about those we love who are in a difficult situation or have strayed from God. The word "still" shows us that Abraham prayed for Lot again and again without tiring. In the following chapter we see him returning to the place where he had prayed previously for the same thing. He could have asked why God remained silent as to his requests. But that was not the case. At the decisive moment God remembered Abraham's prayers and responded to his faith by rescuing his nephew from the judgment that was to pour down on the city.

What an example for us, who are easily discouraged, still to be found before God to tell Him our worries and to return often without fearing being persistent! He will reply at the time He has chosen.

Today's reading: Exodus 7:14-25 · Luke 2:41-52