The Word of God

I finished reading the New Testament recently, and as I prayed about what I should read next, I felt led by the Spirit to read the bible from end to end. And boy, the Old Testament is full of rich stories and repeated intervention from God to redeem His people. I cannot wait to share all the encouragement I’ve been receiving!

Without further ado, let’s dive into the encouragement from Genesis 19.

The 1-2-3 of what I found encouraging

1. Despite the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah, God spared Lot and his family

Earlier on in Genesis 18, Abraham contends to God to not “kill the righteous with the wicked.” God hears Abraham and sends His angels to Sodom, where they urge Lot to tell his family and beloved to get out of the city before its downfall.

I find comfort in knowing God is patient and gives us a chance to run back into His arms. In fact, Peter says, ‬”The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9).

I imagine God up in heaven, incessantly cheering and rooting for us, not counting our sins nor expecting us to fall short. And therein, I feel His immense love for me.

2. Lot hesitated, but the angels grabbed (!) his family to rescue them

The verse 16 says Lot hesitated. So, the angels took it upon themselves to get the family goin’! Had the angels not done so, Lot’s fate would have been the same as those who stayed behind.

But, why? Because God is merciful.

I mean, isn’t that beautiful? Oftentimes, I can find myself lost at the sight of the turbulent water beneath my feet, yet God is still faithful. As I reflect on this, I wonder just how many times the Spirit must have nudged me, pulled me along, and walked alongside to save me from troubles— so that I can avoid death and live a life that’s full.

3. God rescued Lot and his family, despite knowing what they’ll do next

Okay, here’s what blows my mind. If you read along Genesis 19, a couple of troublesome events occur. One, Lot’s wife looks back— despite the warning not to— and turns into a pillar of salt. Later on, Jesus refers back to this incident by saying, “Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it” (Luke 17:32-33). And then, soon after Lot and his daughters evacuate, Lot’s daughters come up with a plan to have kids and get Lot drunk to bear his children, because having children was “the custom all over the earth” (Genesis 19:31).

Wait, what? Whenever I read this story, my reaction is, ‘What did God see in this family for them to be spared?’ But when I took a step back to think about it, the following passage rang in my heart:

“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8)

Our journey in Christ is not about who we are, but instead, all about God and His love for us through Jesus. And this very understanding encourages me to live my life to the fullest, in honor of my Father in heaven who sent His one and only Son to die for me— foreknowing my shortcomings, all whilst I was pridefully stuck in my own ways. Only in and through Christ, am I who God designed me to be.

My encouragement for you

Is there any area in your life you feel God is telling you, ‘Come on, my beloved! Let’s get moving. I’m excited for all the places we’ll go, and this is no longer a place for you’?

If you feel hesitant, how about we first take the step to recount all the ways in which He’s been good to us? Eventually, I know God will build you up to be able to say, “You know what? I have no clue where You want to take me, but I trust You. Let’s get it!!”

With love, Jae

Got any prayer requests or praises? You’re welcome to share them here.

“Your Word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)