Finding Renewal: Embracing the Weariness of Beginning Again
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Frustration of Beginning Again
- The Patterns in Life: Follow, Trust, Obstacles, Doubt, and Begin Again
- The Wide-Angle Lens of Genesis: From Creation Stories to the Story of Abram and Sarai
- Abram's Call and Promises from God
- The Journey of Abram and Sarai: From Canaan to Egypt and Back
- The War and Abram's Victory
- Abram's Weariness and God's Promise
- The Essence of Trust: The Hebrew Word "Amen"
- The Connection to Paul's Teachings and the Blessing of Those Who Say "Amen"
- Reflecting on Our Own Journey and the Weariness of Our "Amen"
- God's Faithfulness Under the Starry Sky
- Conclusion
The Frustration of Beginning Again
Life can be frustrating, especially when we find ourselves having to begin again. The title of our fall series, "Beginning Again," might resonate with many of us. We often wonder why we can't just continue on without restarting. This idea can make our "amen" weary. But let me share some stories that might shed light on the purpose behind starting anew.
The Patterns in Life: Follow, Trust, Obstacles, Doubt, and Begin Again
In everything worth doing, there is a pattern - a journey marked by following, trusting, encountering obstacles, doubting, and ultimately beginning again. I recall my high school days of throwing the shot put. It wasn't just about strength; it required mastering the technique. Coach Snezrud would repeatedly tell us to slide and pop, slide and pop, until we got it right. Similarly, when teaching my children how to play the guitar, it wasn't enough to switch chords once. They needed to repeat it a thousand times, making it a part of their being. This pattern echoes in the rhythms of life as well. The more we strive to follow God, the more we experience this sequence: follow, trust, obstacles, doubt, and begin again. It can exhaust our "amen", but it is essential to embrace this cycle to grow in our faith.
The Wide-Angle Lens of Genesis: From Creation Stories to the Story of Abram and Sarai
To grasp the significance of beginning again, we must view the book of Genesis as a wide-angle lens capturing both the creation stories and the narrative of Abram and Sarai. Initially, we see God's creation and humanity's tendency to seek their own desires, leading to downfall. Then, the flood wipes the canvas clean, and God starts afresh with Noah's family. However, in Chapter 12, the focus narrows to Abram and Sarai. Despite their old age and lack of children, God makes an audacious promise to Abram. God vows to bless him, make him a great nation, and bless all nations through his descendants. This promise poses a perplexity - how can a great nation emerge without children? It is in Chapter 15 that Abram's weariness surfaces, leading him to seek clarification from God.
Abram's Call and Promises from God
Abram, whose ironic name means "exalted father," ironically has no children. Yet, in Genesis Chapter 12, God calls Abram and makes extravagant promises. He assures Abram of blessings, a multitude of descendants, and a profound impact on all nations. With only his servant, Eleazar, as an heir, Abram questions how God will fulfill the promise. God responds by taking Abram and Sarai under the night sky, telling Abram to count the stars. The sheer number represents the multitude of children he will have. Even though the journey seems impossible, God asks Abram to rely on Him and say "amen" to His plan.
The Journey of Abram and Sarai: From Canaan to Egypt and Back
Between Genesis Chapter 12 and Chapter 15, Abram and Sarai face various challenges. Famine forces them to travel to Egypt, where unexpected events unfold. Upon returning to Canaan, they encounter a war, and Abram valiantly fights to protect his nephew, Lot. Throughout these events, God remains faithful to Abram, defending and rescuing him. These experiences contribute to Abram's weariness as he reaches the beginning of Chapter 15.
The War and Abram's Victory
The significant events leading to Abram's weariness involve a war. When tribes attack his nephew Lot, Abram bravely goes to battle. With God's support, he emerges victoriously. This victory should have brought assurance, but instead, it leads Abram to question his future. The weariness that comes from consistently beginning again weighs heavily on his "amen."
Abram's Weariness and God's Promise
At the start of Genesis Chapter 15, Abram's weariness becomes palpable as he confides in God. He expresses his doubt, acknowledging his increasing age and the absence of an heir. At this point, the only potential heir is his servant, Eleazar. Abram wonders if his legacy will pass through Eleazar, which seems contradictory to God's promise of countless descendants. But then, God reveals His plan in a breathtaking way. He takes Abram outside, tells him to look at the stars, and promises that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. This encounter transforms Abram's doubt into trust, leading him to say "amen" to God's promise and placing his faith completely in God's hands.
The Essence of Trust: The Hebrew Word "Amen"
The English word "believe" falls short in capturing the depth of Abram's response. In Hebrew, "amen" is not just a mental agreement; it is a complete abandoning of oneself into God's care, as an infant trusts its mother. Trusting God is not merely giving mental assent; it is wholeheartedly surrendering ourselves to His providence. Abram's "amen" embodies this kind of trust.
The Connection to Paul's Teachings and the Blessing of Those Who Say "Amen"
Fast-forwarding 2,000 years to the teachings of the apostle Paul, we see a connection between Abram's trust and saying "amen" to God's promises. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul reveals that those who trust God and say "amen" are the true descendants of Abraham. The promises made to Abraham extend to those who fully trust God. The faith that enabled Abraham to believe God's promises and say "amen" is the same faith that justifies and blesses all who follow in his footsteps.
Reflecting on Our Own Journey and the Weariness of Our "Amen"
As we embark on our own journeys, we can identify with Abram's weariness. We may encounter unexpected challenges, doubts, and obstacles that test our faith. Just like Abram, we find ourselves repeating the pattern of following, trusting, doubting, and beginning again. The weariness of continually starting anew can tire our "amen", but this is precisely where God's faithfulness shines brightest.
God's Faithfulness Under the Starry Sky
Under the vast expanse of the night sky, we witness God's faithfulness. Just as Abram looked up at the stars and believed God's promise, we too must gaze at the heavens and acknowledge God's unwavering commitment to us. Counting the stars symbolizes the countless ways God fulfills His promises and blesses us. We may not know the specifics of our future, but we can be assured that God, who is faithful and goes before us, walks beside us, and is our foundation, will be with us every step of the way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, beginning again can be frustrating, but it is an essential part of our journey of faith. The patterns we observe in life, especially in the story of Abram and Sarai, teach us the significance of trust, the power of saying "amen", and the blessings that follow. Our weariness is real, but let us find solace under the starry sky, recognizing God's unfailing faithfulness. As we begin anew, let our "amen" resound, echoing Abram's trust in God's promises.
