The Christian's Journey - 4

Introduction: In comparison to Israel's Journey from Abraham to the Promised Land, A sojourn may be part of God's plan, part of your waiting. Don't let your weakness(es) be your downfall.

Gerar

• Text: "Be sober; be vigilant; because of your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." I Peter 5:8

1. The Account:
• Genesis 20, Genesis 26
2. The Details: means pilgrimage, sojourn.
• Gerar is a chief city of the Philistines.
• The fertile region between two deserts.
• Abraham and Isaac came in a time of famine
• Both Abraham and Isaac denied their wife in Gerar
• Both were reproved by the heathen.
3. The Application: 
• A needed sojourn directed by God
• Man's plan vs. God's plan (Is 55:8-9, Jer 29:11)
• trusting God with the details (Mt 6:30, 8:26)

"For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

"For I know the thoughts that I have toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:14)

1. The Recommendations: When others are around you, do they find a Mamre?
• When God takes you on a "sojourn," remember, God is with you. Don't leave Him behind. (Exodus 3:12 & 14)
• Be patient and let God unfold His plan for you. "Plans are not changed, but change is planned." (James 1:4, 2 Pet 1)
• Run your thoughts about your sojourn before the Lord to see if they match His thoughts. (Heb 4:12)
• Strengthen your faith on your sojourn; use it or you may lose it. (Psalms 119:29)
• Let the God-directed sojourn serve its purpose in your life. (Rom 8:28-32)

Conclusion:

   Remember what the Lord said to Abraham in Genesis 18:14: "Is anything too hard for the LORD?"

GB Essie