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Graham, Abraham and my wake up call
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Anne Graham Lotz, daughter of evangelist Billy Graham was on the CBS Early Show this morning. It was on as background noise as I was going about my business getting ready for my day, but I had to stop and listen to what she was saying.
She has written a new book called The Magnificent Obsession. It is about her longing for more in her life – the restlessness in her heart and longing for a relationship with God. I couldn’t help but think it strange that the daughter of one of the best known evangelists struggled in her search for a personal relationship with God. But then again, why would she be any different than the rest of us?
What intrigued me the most was that Lotz found her answer in the story of Abraham. God Himself referred to His relationship with Abraham as friendship. Lotz said she wanted that kind of relationship with God – to know him so personally that He referred to her as a friend.
To gain this friendship with God, Abraham left his father’s house and traveled all over the countryside. God blessed him with many riches, but he also made many promises that seemed impossible. The most obvious of those was the promise that Abraham’s decedents would be the same as the number of stars in the sky. This didn’t make sense at first. Abraham nearly 100 years old and his wife Sarah 90 but they did not have any children. But nothing is too much for God, and so Sarah gave birth to Issac.
God then asked Abraham to sacrifice Issac to show his commitment. I’m sure that there are many parents out there who would rather give up their own lives than sacrifice their child’s life. God never wanted to harm Issac, but for Abraham to be willing to give his own son to God shows a commitment that is almost unimaginable.
Abraham had an amazing trust in God’s word, even when the promise seemed impossible. Lotz says that Abraham jumped out of the Bible and into her life, sending her on a mission to find a God-filled life.
Seeing this story today has kind of awakened me. I haven’t written in many weeks because I was too focused on starting my new life. I was married on July 25 and now we’re focused on finding a house to buy and beginning life as a married couple. I had almost forgotten that God should be the focus. That it was God that joined us together on July 25 and that it is God that creates a family. Becoming reacquainted with Abraham made me realize that all those blessings will happen if I live a God-filled life. God will provide, even when the promise seems impossible.
My prayer today is for God’s will to be done. And that I will, like Abraham, remain focused on Him as I begin my new life and for all of the years to come.
For more information: Abraham's story can be found in the Book of Genesis, 11:26 to 25:18. Information on Lotz's book can be found at her website.
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