Many of us don't realize the impact our walk with the Lord can have on someone else. However, the Bible is full of people whose relationship with God led to blessings for other people. We can learn a lot from them.
One such person was Abraham. With all the people in the world at the time, God chose a cattle herder to follow Him. He knew Abraham would "direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just..." (Genesis 18:19). Indeed, Abraham walked with the Lord and was called His friend (Isaiah 41:8). God informed him of things to come and showed love to his family. All because, despite His flaws, Abraham loved God, walked in fear of Him, and learned to trust Him fully. It is for these reasons that Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac, when God instructed him to. The Lord stopped him from killing his child and said "now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me" (Genesis 22:12 BSB).
It is no surprise, then, that Abraham's nephew, Lot, also encountered God's kindness and mercy. When time came to punish Sodom and Gomorrah, the only people who escaped the destruction were Lot and his loved ones. Unlike everyone else, angels told Lot to run to the mountains where he and his family would be safe. Yes, the Bible tells us in 2 Peter 2:7 that Lot was deemed a righteous man but that righteousness was not the only reason why he enjoyed God's favor when Sodom and Gomorrah were wiped off the face of the earth. We are told in Genesis 19:29 - So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that destroyed the cities where he had lived. Lot's connection to his uncle and the love God had for Abraham were key to his salvation.
We don't always understand how our relationship with God can save the people we know and love. And because of this, we might be willing to slack in doing the things needed to grow closer to Him. The reality is that every genuine moment we spend with the Lord will produce profit. We and our loved ones will gain the benefit. At least a thousand generations will bask in the goodness of God because we honored Him (Exodus 20:6). In fact, the only one who is happy when our relationship with God weakens is satan.
Our relationship with God can even save complete strangers as was the case for the town of Zoar. The community and its people were within the vicinity that was to be razed alongside Sodom and Gomorrah. However, they were spared because Lot pleaded with God's angels to allow him and his family to rest there because reaching the safety of the mountains would be impossible for them. One of the angels responded, saying, "[v]ery well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate..." (Genesis 19:21). Those people had no idea that God's wrath was coming their way and because of Lot, a righteous man whom God showed compassion, they in turn received God's grace and mercy.
This reminds us why we must regularly spend quality time with our Creator. He wants us to know Him in a unique way, separate from how someone else has experienced Him. He wants us to know Him as Father, as Helper, as Defender and so much more. When that happens, we aren't the only ones to earn godly rewards. So do our loved ones and even the strangers who just happen to be within our sphere of influence. God wants to use us to bring His blessings and miracles to the lives of those who would otherwise not encounter Him.
Please study scriptures, making time to concentrate on the Bible without distractions. Learn to worship God and praise Him for who He is and what He's done. Live a life that reflects what God is teaching you, taking things day by day. Practice the Royal Law. Be a witness who testifies of His power. Put your faith to work, remembering that the Lord has given you the faith you need for every situation. Pay your tithes, offerings and give to the needy. Also, sow 'seed' into the ministries you 'eat' spiritual bread from. Spread the gospel and help others give their lives to Christ. Pray less for yourself and intercede more for other people because Jesus said, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Do everything you can to fellowship with other believers as often as possible. This ministry provides an opportunity twice a week as do several other churches and Spirit-led organizations that are striving to save souls for God's kingdom.
Your life and eternal soul depends on what you choose to do. The lives of others and their future resting places may also hinge on the decisions you make.
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Hallelujah! God, I thank You! Promise Keeper. Our Salvation. He who works tirelessly for us. You who never slumber nor sleep.
Father, glory be unto You! I am so grateful for Your mercy, Your grace, and steadfastness.