“So the enemy took all the possessions of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way.” (Genesis 14:11–12, ESV)
They also took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother, who was dwelling in Sodom, and his possessions, and went their way. Troubles come along in life, there’s just no way of escaping that fact. The issue is never, “Will problems come?” Yes, they will come. It’s always a matter of whether we are connected to someone, anyone who will care enough to do something about our problems.
We simply cannot do life alone! Connection is the key to turning our problems around. We need to be connected to someone who cares enough and is powerful enough to help us when life grows dark and the way becomes impossible.
Lot, the nephew of Abraham, hadn’t done much to endear himself to his uncle. However, Abraham cared for Lot. Perhaps more than he should of. When Lot had the choice in the past, he took all of the water rights to the Jordan River, knowing that his uncle had more flocks and herds than he himself had. Yet, Lot’s selfishness wouldn’t share.
Now, the enemies have come. They have taken everything, even Lot and all he had. Lot couldn’t save himself. Lot was a captive. Lot needed rescue from someone who cared enough and was powerful enough to do something about Lot’s lost condition.
Turning around our troubles happens long before our problems happen onto the scene of our lives. If we are going to be rescued from our catastrophes – and they will come – we will need to build good, solid, deep, close friendships with others now.
While Lot could count on his uncle, many of us know our families don’t have the means to rescue us from calamity. We need powerful friends to stand for us when others have stood against us.
Make new friends now. Be genuinely interested in them. Care and pray for them. And include the powerful and well off in that circle. Give them your love and intercession now. And, should you need it one day, they may just unlock your prison of pain and suffering.
Turn-Around Tuesdays are designed to bring hope and help, insight and encouragement to those of us who are simply overwhelmed by the flood of problems life throws at us. No one is immune to trials and troubles, but God has a way of lifting us from life’s torrents. Each short thought is written by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, Executive Director of Eagles In Leadership, and comes from his life-journey with the God who never leaves us or forsakes us. He welcomes your comments below.
