“But in the fourth generation they shall return here, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.” (Genesis 15:16)

God is responding to Abram in a dream after the promise that Abram had been given that his descendants would be as the stars in the heavens. God spoke to him showing that the Lord would be the one completing the promise. It’s interesting to note that the promise God gives concerning the land is hinged on allowing four hundred years longer for the people who lived there to dwell in it. God was graciously allowing time for them to change their ways and repent.

In (2 Peter 3:9) we are told “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Often our circumstances can cause us to respond with a shortsighted emotional reaction that can produce depression or or even anger and frustration . Usually this happens because things aren’t done in ‘our time’ or ‘our way’. Yet we see the Lord declaring to Abram not only am I going to fulfill my promise to you, but in addition to that I’m waiting on this whole other people group, the Amorites, to reach the point of no return before I give your descendants the land.

God is so patient with you and me. But He is also patient with everyone else. Could it be that He is inviting all of us to walk in the same patience and mercy that He has towards us with our spouse, kids, boss, co-workers, and even those we don’t get along with? God’s given us time to repent, now let’s get wisdom from Him so we can walk toward others helping them repent as well and redeem the time He has given us. As we see in Ephesians

(Ephesians 5:16-18) redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”

“God’s covenant with Abraham was not just for a nation, but for the nations. That covenant ushered in Jesus, who came with the promise of righteousness for each of us.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for being so patient with me. For always allowing me the opportunity to repent and turn to You so that I can be forgiven. Thank You for saving me. Lord, please help me have the same grace and patience with others that You have toward me. Help me Lord, to share with them that it is by Your goodness and grace that they have the chance to repent and receive Your forgiveness and salvation. I trust You to lead me and complete Your patient work in me for this. In Jesus name I pray, Amen

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Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org