His Perfecting Presence

Abram heeded God's call to leave for an unknown land.  Years passed as Abram and Sarai walked on....sometimes faltering, sometimes fearing but pressing forward in faith.  God's faithfulness brought them through lies and mis-steps though He did not remove the earthly consequences and heartaches of those mis-steps.  The verses we will focus on today follow Abram and Sarai's attempt to help God fulfill His promise.  At first look, God's words seem more of an impossible instruction than a precious promise. 

And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.   (Genesis 17:1)

These words came almost 25 years after their first footsteps of faith.  Over a decade had passed since they had implemented their own plan for fulfilling the promise.  God's instruction was patient and consistent--walk before me--and His promise assured.  It is the instruction and the assurance we still receive.  Live in the light of God's presence and trust His perfection to bring our lives to perfect completeness.

While God calls us to leave a life of sin, His words of 'be thou perfect' are not without understanding of our inability to walk perfectly.  His words relate to His nature and His perfecting power in our lives.  Our 'works of righteousness' are not the means by which God works; it is our faithful walk which allows God to transform our lives and fulfill His plans.  God was well aware of Abram and Sarai's mis-steps; He is aware of ours.  Just as they were unable to walk perfectly, so are we.  Yet God is sufficient.  He goes ahead of us, comes behind us and surrounds us with His perfect presence. 

Placing our life walk before Him does not mean we will have perfect performance but He will radiate His glory even into our mis-steps.  He will bring about His good and perfect will when we purpose to stay in His light.  God's instruction and promise is simply that we must continue to step out in faith in Him and trust His sufficiency.  His strength is perfected in our weaknesses.  Go out today trusting in Him and not fearing your own mis-steps.  He is willing and He is able!