"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes" ( Psalm 37:7).
Conflicts are a constant feature of our lives. And many conflicts escalate to physical confrontation often resulting in the taking of innocent lives. Today there are several wars going on in Africa, Europe and many parts of the world. At a personal level there are many relationships which are estranged as a result of conflicts. Some have gone to court and a number of those involved unable to accept defeat have resolved to using extra judicial means, including exterminating the enemy!
When Abraham faced a conflict with his nephew Lot over pasture land he had two choices. These were wealthy men whom God had blessed and behind them led a great following. "But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together" (Genesis 13: 6-) Sometimes conflicts can be pushed by those around us. In this case, before even Abraham and Lot pronounced themselves over the matter, "And quarreling arose between Abram’s herders and Lot’s" ( vv 7).
Abraham was the senior of the two. He could have easily chided his son and reduced him to size. However, instead, "Abraham said to Lot, “Let’s not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herders and mine, for we are close relatives. Is not the whole land before you? Let’s part company. If you go to the left, I’ll go to the right; if you go to the right, I’ll go to the left" (vv 8-9).
And that's what happened! Lot picked up the best land and moved there with his herd. Abraham remained back with apparent loss. However, as we know, God would then bless him mightily. "The Lord said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, “Look around from where you are, to the north and south, to the east and west. All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever. I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted" ( vv 14 -16).
What conflict is eating you up and making you all sleepless! You feel unjustly treated and poorly done. Sometime there is a sudden urge to go physical. Friend, there is a way out. Let it go and may God take over!
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, for any conflicts in my life I surrender all to you to take over, for there is no better outcome than with you taking charge, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
