Make a Decision
“And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)” (Gen 13:10)
How do we make a decision? We could write about pros and cons, seeking wise counsel, and a litany of other helps; but the answer truly boils down to two options – by faith or by sight. Do we trust in God’s promise, or do we trust only what our eyes can see? Daily, we are faced with this challenge and its repercussions, as Lot is in our chapter.
In Genesis 13, Abram and Lot are busting at the seams with blessings. The Lord multiplies their flocks and their herds beyond what the land can bear. Quite literally, this place is not big enough for the both of them. A decision must be made; a man must leave. Abram allows his dear nephew to get first dibs, but notice how Lot comes to a decision. Lot uses his eyes. Now, we have some foresight to know that Sodom and Gomorrah are no place to raise a family, but Lot does not know this. All he sees is prime real estate, lush fields, and a growing enterprise. Let this be a lesson to us all – the devil does a great job in making sin look attractive. He had the first marketing degree, opened the first advertising company, served as the first Public Relations Officer. He excels in putting a good spin on bad things because he knows our feeble eyes and our sinful hearts. Sometimes, he puts a beautiful bait on a deadly hook; other times, he paints vices as virtues. Regardless of the tactic, the aim is the same – deceive the eyes.
But there is a better way. Abram saw a land barren, unable to support two farmers and their cattle. His eyes saw poor real estate, but his faith saw God’s promise. He believed the words of the faithful and true God far more than his lying eyes. He lived by “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by [he] received [his] commendation.” (Heb. 11:1-2) Whereas Lot would become subject to the miseries of war, Abram lived with God as his buckler and his shield. Whereas Lot’s soul would be vexed by what he saw, Abram’s soul would be comforted by what he believed. The difference could not be more telling.
Reader, how do you make a decision? When God extends to you wonderful promises, do you look at the opposition or trust the faithful offer? When God commands you to do what seems impossible, do you focus on the challenge or rely on Him who commands you? When the way forward seeks blurry, do we freeze in fear or do we “who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God”? (Isa. 50:10) Do we walk by faith or by sight?
