Leadership Lessons from Abram
Looking at Crisis from God’s Point of View
By Chad Lackey – BSF Former Chief Administrative Officer
As I picked up the phone, I knew something was wrong. My wife was crying. The doctor had just pronounced our 2-year-old son profoundly deaf, a diagnosis that informed us of his inability to hear. We had no perspective on how to process this diagnosis, just that the doctor said he would never effectively enter the hearing or deaf communities, and it was scary.
As a father, I did not want to admit it. As a husband, I wanted to take away my wife’s fear and pain. As a man, I wanted to fix this! But in reality, I did not know what to do or how to proceed!
In Genesis 12, there is a story of a man, Abram, who was also dealt a serious blow. God called on Abram to move out of his city and into the promised land. He followed and God made some amazing promises to Abram – that his family would become many nations and bless the world!
But as soon as he settled in the Negev, a severe famine hit the land and his people were all starving. I can imagine how badly he wanted to fix the situation. I think it’s clear he did not really know what to do next, either.
As men, God has gifted us with the privilege of leadership in many areas of life, but nowhere more important than at home. When crisis hits, we default to problem-solving mode. It goes like this: See the problem, see the solution, make a plan.
The question is, are you looking at the crisis from God’s point of view or your own? For me, there is often very little space between seeing the problem and solution and then making a plan. Abram’s story in chapter 12 gives us a painful example of what can happen when those decisions are based on my way and not God’s way.
Let’s learn from his story …
Abram was a man of action. When faced with this crisis, he “solved” it. Let me be clear – there is nothing wrong with solving problems. But like so many men, Abram did not leave much room between seeing, solving and acting to solve these problems. He did not pause to consult God, and, as a result, the outcome was painful.
Abram’s first choice involved preserving his people. He decided to take his people to where the food was in Egypt. We do not see that he paused to pray or consult God. He just saw the problem, saw a solution and made the decision to take his people to Egypt.
Abram’s second choice involved self-preservation. Out of fear for his life, he instructed his wife Sarai to tell the Egyptians she was his sister. Again, we do not see him pause to consult God. Instead, he saw a problem (or a potential problem), decided he could fix it and made it happen. Abram prospered for a time.
But God, wanting Abram to learn, let his plan spiral out of control. Sarai ended up in Pharaoh’s palace as his wife. The truth came out when the Lord brought sickness to Pharaoh and his people, so Abram and his family got kicked out of Egypt.
When trying to understand why Abram did not consult God about these two decisions – especially given God’s unconditional promises to him earlier in the chapter – it brings me to a reality check. Abram was a man who confronted his fears. In the face of that fear, he relied on himself — his plan, his fixes and ultimately his failure – instead of God.
God lovingly wanted Abram to learn, so He allowed Abram to fail – even to the point that he was kicked out of the place he went for safety. (As a side note, we will see in the next chapter that Abram did not starve, and he ended up back at Bethel.)
Freedom in Surrender
God did, and still does, the same for me. Over the next several years, our family faced many difficult decisions. Who can help us know what to do next? How to communicate with our son? What school is best for him? Where should we live? How can we find a church with a deaf program? And many, many more.
Many times, I was like Abram – see, solve, fix with little or no time in between. Other times, we asked God for wisdom and guidance. Through it all, God taught us to rely deeply on Him. One significant learning came when we decided to move to a different school district with a great deaf program for Joshua. We bought a house before we sold the previous one because we were sure it was God’s provision.
After six months of depleted savings with double house payments, the day before I was supposed to start a second job, we sold the house! The process of figuring out how to cover that decision was long, in-depth and painful. But I learned to rely deeply on God because He is the faithful Promise Keeper who loves me, my family and for sure my kids.
Every man is taught to be proactive and control his circumstances. The reality is, we control very little. If you face difficult circumstances or decisions, I encourage you to ask God for wisdom, and He will give it (James 1:5). Let’s change “see, solve, fix” to “see, pray, obey!”
This afternoon, I am going to play golf with my son, the same child who was never supposed to engage optimally with the deaf or the hearing! Today, he is a senior engineering student and plays on the college golf team, not to mention the only deaf student at his college!
The 18 years since that phone call have been a roller-coaster of trying our own way and relying on God. Looking back, I see how much we have come to rely on God and to trust His plan. I am thankful for His long-suffering patience with me as I have endeavored to lead my family well!
Chad Lackey
Chief Administrative Officer
Thank you for sharing your story. We learn through life that only God can really help solving our problems.
What a precious story of coming to know what relying on God means. Thank you for sharing your story. I love the mantra, see, pray, obey! Thank you!
Just what I needed! I was trying get into a problem solving mode but frustrated as I saw no solution.
Shifting gears from “see, solve, fix” to “see, pray, obey!”
Thank you!
Thanks for your vulnerability. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness and provision in learning to trust in this tightrope walk if faith. By His safety net of Grace we are granted hope and joy. We are greatly encouraged thanks
Thank you for sharing Chad. Yes, God teaches us patiently and is faithful. I praise him for revealing his glory in Joshua.
Great blog Chad. Thanks for sharing so honestly about your real-life challenges. I am sure I do not speak for myself, but for other men too regarding our tendancy to ‘see, solve, fix’. Going through Genesis with a group of awesome BSF guys is great. God is showing us all how Abram should have responded to a crisis with the ‘see, pray, obey’ action. Your blog was a great personal example of a lesson learned. Gods amazing and loving patience helps all of us learn. May we all continue to be reminded how much God yearns to lead us as a loving Heavenly Father.
Thank you. It is so encouraging. God loves us and teaches us who he is. To God be the glory.
Thank you for a great reminder of trying to make decisions and doing things on our own before praying and asking for Godʻs wisdom and guidance. What a wonderful way God honored your faithfulness in seeking what was best for your son. Congratulations on your sonʻs achievements and for how your family was blessed with honoring God. Aloha
Thank you for sharing! What an awesome testimony of a Father who loves us and meets us at the very point of our needs. I am trusting and believing God for a miraculous healing and turning around for my son
Andre who is mentally challenged with schizophrenia since age 18 and a half, he is now 45yrs old,There is a lot of pain, but I have found purpose in my pain, and I now serve as a court appointed Guardian Advocate in the mental health facilities in my area.
Please pray for me and all the family members of the mentally challenged , and of course for all those who are.
Thank you for sharing – I also often rely on self and not God!
Thank you Chad Lackey for this testimony. Yes! when we look back into our lives, we come to appreciate God’s long-suffering patience with me (us).
May the Lord continue to build your faith to trust and lean on Him in every way.
What a beautiful testament to God! It’s stories like this that makes you see how great God is.
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much for sharing
Thanks for sharing your story. Very profound
Your article is like a helpful hand that descending from the heaven. Thank you for your sharing , Bro. I like this sentence the best: Abram was a man who confronted his fears. In the face of that fear, he relied on himself — his plan, his fixes and ultimately his failure – instead of God
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story of relying on God and trusting His plans! And advocate us to “See, Pray, Obey”!
What a testimony from your beautiful family to shine in God’s glory!
Thank you for the encouraging reminder: “see, pray, obey”.
Thank you for your honest sharing.
Many a woman lives on the same principle of see, solve, fix. See, pray, obey is a phrase that I can quickly remember and pray to obey.
i seem to have issues with many of the bsf notes and their writers perspectives…..in some cases they are quite non christian, anti semetic and even blasphemous
for instance bible does not associate fear with Abraham….he knew it was the evil practice of the gentile nations to take women away from their husbands ….he was not in sin to save his life…she was his sister…Abram knew all things work together for good to those who love God are called to his purpose etc………….bsf beats abram and not pharoah over the head…………oh my!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! pharaoh brought about his own suffering. can bsf please start adding the names of the commentators to the Notes…thanks i am very concerned for the baby believers who can easily fall prey to mens doctrines
Thanks for sharing and thanks for investing in the life of Joshua to bring out all his potentials and work of God in our life
Your family’s story moved me to tears and new determination to “See, pray, obey!” Thank you for sharing with the larger BSF community. I am inspired to envision our autistic grandchild’s future in a whole new way.
Praise God! Thank you for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes. God is so faithful.
very encouraging’ 18 years of GOD’s faithfulness to your family.
Quite an eye opener. I have brought it out so beautifully. Thanks and be blessed
How great is our God who has unbelievable plans for the journey of life. I am so grateful for your being so open, so truthful of what many of us feel, and do or do not. This has been inspirational, thank you.
As I am reading your story,I felt impacted because it has some similarities in my life’s journey only in a different setting .Just like you I learned my lesson and I thank Him for it.In making decisions we have to rely on Him not on ourselves because if we do we are relying on our self-ego and questioning His authority .
Beautiful family…beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing a “today” story that helps us understand Gods story seen in the life of Abe.
Beautiful!
Very encouraging piece. Thank you for so beautifully bringing out the need for every believer to rely on God in every decision/action we make/take.
Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey. Awesome testimony, spoke to my heart in ways only God knows. How I love Him and the body of Christ, helpers one to another ?
Time to change from being myself. I am trained to find the Problem, analyze the best Solution, Plan and Action. Time table. Let God rule this time, “see, pray, obey”. GOD’S PLAN AND TIMETABLE.
Thanks.
Thanks for your vulnerability and honesty! We women are prone to these same choices as well, but what an open godly response you are sharing! Our mistakes/sin truly help us learn, but I pray we will come to a realization of
His character that will cause “see, pray, obey” to be our first choice!
We need to seek God on how to do or go a bout the things we fear to do.
In Daily morning worship I listen and focus on the Name’s of GOD. UTUB has many audio/videos on the name’s of GOD: my favorite is HE IS FROM GENESIS TO REVELATION.
Very encouraging. All glory and honour to God
Good lesson for us to learn from this message.
Our God is a faithful God, a God full of love , compassion and mercy.
Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Amen, all Glory and Praise onto our Lord. I am so encouraged. So proud of your son….
This is a very personal story and lesson..I grew up with a deaf sister and I relate to the frustration.I have learnt…Change from “See,solve,fix” to “See,pray,obey”
how do I get info on Abtaham mini study? I am a BSF memer in reidsville, nc.
Dear Ann,
Visit: https://bsfblog2025.onecreative.net/try-bsf/
You can use this stud to invite a friend to study along with you!
Thank you. This is very helpful.
Thank you for sharing you testimony. We all need encouragement.
What a wonderful account of God’s graciousness and faithfulness!! Thanks for sharing
Glory be to God. May God always bless your family. Your story reminds me and encourages me to trust God who is always faithful. Your story encourages me to ask God for guidance and wisdom, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for telling your story. It is very encouraging. God really does work all things together for good for those who love Him.
Like the see,pray obey …..learn to consult God in all things be it small or big
I want so much to rely on God for a issue in my life. Help me to trust in the abounding provision of our God.
Dear Maisie,
Your comment made me think of the scripture, “I believe. Help my unbelief.” I have been there often. We know the truth about God, but sometimes struggle to live out what we know. I live in Beijing and was unable to teach during the spring semester and only had a few students who were willing to do online tutoring. One of my flatmates graduated and left in September and my other flatmate was unable to renew her visa and was going to have to leave the country last Friday. How was I going to pay for a 3 bedroom flat by myself since no one is able to come into the country right now and everyone already has housing? Well, we know I wasn’t going to be the one “paying”, right? God kept reminding me of his unlimited ability to provide for me. So, last Weds, my flatmate went to the exit/entry bureau yet again, and PTL, the officials looked at all her paperwork, made suggestions, allowed her another 30 days to get everything in order. Then, I had paid the rent for December and my landlady said she was giving me a free month and that would count for January! I don’t know what the current issue is that you are wrestling with, but I am praying that you have the faith to trust God and the wisdom and discernment to know how to move forward in hope. In Christ, Ronda
This was a very encouraging story that has come at a difficult time in my personal life. Thank you for sharing and helping me to deepen my faith and trust in God.
Chad Lackey, thank you for sharing your story. As a retired teacher for deaf and hard of hearing children it blesses me. God bless you and your family for your persistence in seeking the best for your son and the intense work that it has taken all these years. God bless your son for all the hard work he has done. May God’s richest blessing be yours.
Dear Chad,
Thank you for sharing your story. Growing up with four brothers, I appreciate your description of how a man’s “fix it” strategy works. I also appreciate your idea of changing “see, solve,fix” to “see, pray, obey” !!! I will share this post with my husband, Ray. I know it will be a huge refocus and help as we look to our great God in navigating through our current struggles within our own family of four adult sons. Your story has provided living hope and encouragment ! We rest in the One who is” able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20 Thank you, this post has buoyed our faith and anchored our souls .
Praise the Lord. What an encouragement. Thank you for sharing. Surely our trust is in God alone.
The text has really helped me
By changing the way I respond to crisis, as Abraham I have been trying to fix almost everything without asking God
Amazing Story! I was born hard of hearing. My hearing problem was not caught until the age of 10. I was way behind in school. Everyone thought I was just “slow.” Later, at the age of 36, I had Meningitis. I lost whatever hearing I had. I learned ASL. It took me at least 3 years to understand the language and another 30 years of being accepted into the Deaf community. I still do not understand full English nor full ASL, but I do know I hear God and try to be a good leader in the Women’s Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) I am learning to trust God in all that I do.
Linda, I’m so inspired by your perseverance and heart for the Lord! Thankful for your continued service in BSf. Praying for your group!
TP Tried and Proved- That God is a promiser keeper !!
So encouraging
Help me my Lord to put all my trust only in You and to feel better when I don’t know what to do and when I’m scared or sad please my Lord without You I can’t do nothing Amen .
So touched by your story.
Now ask God to help me recall
His provision
Your courage to share your personal struggle has been an encouragement to many people like experiencing our share of struggles.
I am extremely encouraged by your son’s story and the need to deeply depend on God.
Very encouraging,whatever the circumstances I must deeply rely on God.
I can identify with your real life story which I am reading on a sleepless night. The saving grace is knowing that God’s love for me endures and his faithfulness is renewed by the day. Thank you for sharing. I am comforted and blessed.
Thank you. So encouraging.
Great article. Thanks for sharing, and thankful for the amazing progress your son has made. God is so good and nothing surprises Him. His plan is always good.
Thank U Chad for sharing your personal/family struggles.
Again God confirms His gracious faithfulness as Savior, guide and
merciful presence in our lives! Oh God, help me seek you every day – all day – during every moment of each day.
From Abram’s example, I have learnt that choosing my own way is defiant and dislike to God’s appointed position for me. It is outright disobedience. I am trusting to leave decisions up to Him, especially as the head of my family.
I love, love, love this. We have been blessed to get to know your family over the past years. What an amazing story.
God is truly faithful. Thank you for sharing. This encourages me to always pray in all situations
It is wonderful to learn how important it is to ask God for all we need. Even sometimes to fix things or find things.I am blessed by these study’s thank YOU so much.
Thank you so much for sharing! How forgetful we are and how faithful God is. I got a very precious lesson to live out from your testimony, SEE, PAUSE TO CONSULT GOD, TRUST and OBEY.
What a beautifuIl story! Thank you for sharing.
I went to high school In California with a student named Chad Lacky. Blessings to your family.
Thank you for sharing your real life story! From are, solve, fix to see, pray, and obey…. is such a timely focus. We are moving to a new town, no permanent home in a bustling city- full of competition for the homes that are hear. I pray now for Gods wisdom and still quiet voice, to calm my fears and know that He is God and in His time, the right home will be found. Bless you!
Thank you for sharing your testimony of faith. It came at a time when I needed it most.
Awesome! Wha a revealation!
Thanks
What a wonderful testimony about your son. It proves God is in control and we should trust Him totally.
From today on I will try to see, pray, obey as opposed to see, solve, fix. Asante sana (thank you very much) for sharing
Are you looking at the crisis for God’s point of view or your own? This is very revolutionary. Thanks al to for this reminder
See, pray, obey. That God would help me to function this way! Often I find myself praying after making a mess of things and then turning to God to clean my mess yet He is ever so gracious to continue loving me. Everyday is a learning experience for me as I grow closer to Christ Jesus, from faith to faith, glory to glory.
Praise the Lord for His yoke is light when we trust Him wholly. Thanks for this lovely conviction brother in Christ and allows me to understand Abram’s faithfulness better and instead of “see, solve & fix” I have to shift my paradigm to “see, PRAY & OBEY”. Thanks for sharing such good news. God bless you and your family.
That was a heart stirring testimony, I will remember this.
Thank you for sharing your story. It is inspiring and a powerful testimony to God’s faithfulness when we put our trust in Him. I am encouraged and challenged to ‘ see, pray and ibey’ instead of rushing out to do things in my own way. God richly bless you and your family
This is so good! Love the takeaway… See, Pray, Obey.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey from dark to light. The greatest pain I ever feel is when it involves my children. God has given our family amazing grace — He delivers me from the human urge to fix anything before getting on my knees to talk with Him about what I Sees, thank Him for hearing my prayers and my promise to Obey Him. Gods word, your sharing and many others responses strengthen us followers of Jesus. Cheryl
Waiting on the Lord is always best. His plan is always superior to what we are thinking. Allowing God time to work the situation for our good will keep us praying and asking for his help and guidance. Trust and obey is the only way!
Thank you Lord for this revelation to me personally, I love you and I need your help 24/7 forgive me when I rush off on my own; stop me, cause me to pray and seek your will.
Thank you Jesus for you are the Lord Almighty and I choose to wait on you.
Praise the Lord! Thanks for that uplifting testimony!!
It is so easy to lean on our own understanding. Abraham went where the food was. I think that’s the norm. I think the main problem was that he lied when he got to Egypt, in this he proved his lack of faith. God is faithful to provide, but we all waiver with unbelief. No temptation has come upon us that is not common to man. The answer is to quickly find our mistakes our lack of faith repent and move forward
What an encouragement to rely on the Lord. Thank you for sharing your story!
Thank you Chad for sharing this profound thoughts and the testimony of your faith journey. May the Lord bless you son and family.
Yes, I will consciously space the see and action (obey) with prayer- No more”See, solve, fix” no matter how attractive it may be.
To turn to God for wisdom and not anywhere else impulsively is the lesson that I learnt.
God bless you and thanks for sharing your journey.
To God be the glory, great things He has done!
Thanks Chad for allowing us to get to know you better, and confirm how God has worked for good in such a difficult & challenging life experience. Thanks for your example of faith, and for my personal challenge to turn “see, solve, fix” into “see, pray. obey”! Thanks brother.
Wow…….great life example, and wake up call for me! God is so faithful when we are not! Thank you for reminding me!
Even though I am a woman now with 3 grown children, I so identify with what you wrote. Moms also like to fix things especially for their children. It is hard to let God work in their lives without interfering. I so appreciate the long-suffering of Jesus and that everything ends as He plans it.
What a lesson for us to remember to go to God before action!
Thank you for sharing God’s love for his people! With trust and obey.
I like Abram have done big mistakes in the past because self reliance.I have learnt, I now wish to see pray and obey
Good encouraging reminder.
Thank you for this. I am a woman with the same mo. I needed to hear this today as we have some tough situations we dealing with as a family.
Thank you for the teaching. Great lesson about Abraham. We also do behave just like Abraham when faced with life challenges and drastic measures in deciding something. Fear takes the first control of our emotions and we forget that God is our decision maker. We are to give Him that chance and opening. I can confess that, i have done mistakes by my own wrong decision.
Let the book of Genesis open up our eyes and allow us to learn many things in it.
Be bless.
Often times we as men act in our human capacity of thinking rather than seeking the face of God in our spiritual capacity.
Thank God for His grace in all circumstances, we get to see the first in alot of extra ordinary things.
Great lesson. I need to consult God more often or in fact, always!
Thank you very much for your testimony and unpacking Abraham’s shortcomings of relying on himself and not God. I identify with you that we think that we have and can solve our own problems without relying on God. so Thank you for the lesson that we should always involve God in every situation that we find ourselves in.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It completely described me on how many times I have relied on my own strengths and knowledge to solve my problems. How this sometimes has lead me to question God, to doubt his love and care for me. I pray now and henceforth to always consult God and give my issues to Him to solve for me. Amen
Thanks for sharing. This was an encouraging story and great analogy of Abrams mistake and our own when we do not seek God first.
God Bless You
Thank you for the advice: “see, pray, obey” how precious!
What a beautiful story about your son, it’s not just important to trust in God but also a big blessing ?
Encouraged to take time to pray over my current difficult circumstances and decisions and to hear and obey God’s leading.
Chad: Thank you for your encouraging story! I’m not a man, but I tend to be quick to develop a solution to my problems that arise as well. I thank the Lord that God gave us Abram’s story and that it was just as real as the challenges and difficulties we deal with today. We have to learn the hard way sometimes that our way isn’t the best or only way. When I take it to God first in prayer, it always works out better. I wish I could say I’ve learned the lesson, but I know it’s not over for me. Reminders from God’s Word and the work of the Holy Spirit are the best real life reminders! Blessings to you and your family!
Nicely expressed. The photos are likewise so encouraging!
Wow, Just the encouragement and reminder that I so much needed this morning. God bless you and your family. I have been learning sign language for purposes of sharing the gospel with the deaf, I know that I can rely on the Lord for this too.
Very encouraging more often plan b or fix it is always the default mode.. a good message on how to replace fix it with see, pray and obey. Thank you for sharing your story a great new lesson !
Thank you for sharing that heart felt story of your life and relating it to Abram. The “see, solve, fix” process resembles my life. I continue, in God’s grace, to live the “see, pray, obey” life. Thanks for the encouragement.
your story touching who read yes Abram was like us no different
thank you
So so encouraging, we serve an awesome God! He makes a way where there seems to be no way……
Excellent reminder with great details and encouragement.
Thank you very much!
God bless!
Great Lesson and reminder for us all! I marvel at the beautiful picture of your family and how the trials grew everyone closer to Gid by learning to seek God for all our answers and His plan! Giving God all the Glory. Honor and Praise! Beautiful family and can’t wait to see Gods future in your lives! Thanks for sharing your story in reference to Abram! All things are possible with God! Blessings to your family!?
Thank you Chad,
For writing your testimony …Encouraging. I will share with a young man whose wife wants to leave him. Praying he will ask & wait on our promise keeping God for direction.
I can identify with the see, solve fix. See, Pray, Obey looks like a much better option. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your touching story.
It reinforces the truth.
The lord should always be the shepherd.
Thanks Chad, this is a great reminder to an impatient fixer. As I grow slightly wiser in the Lord as He matures I am quicker to listen and slower to speak of my fixes. I know that he created me so how can I ever think I know better than He. Couple that with His perfect love and knowledge and it gets real that His direction is much clearer than mine.
This is super – keep it going – you will receive many positive feedbacks
To God be the Glory!
Very inspiring story and one I needed to hear at this time.
Hello! This statement is awesome. Thank you for sharing, it truly will make you think first and remind you, that we are not our own ❤️
I am praying for you & your family Isaac. You have profoundly touched my heart.
Wow!!!! What wonderful ending to the story!!!
Such a cute guy. Man, he’s not only gifted in looks, but in intelligence & athleticism!!!
Thank you for sharing such a great story of trusting God with tough situations. The toughest are when we have to let go of fixing problems with our kids. Well done!!!
A timely lesson for me who has four children and a wife with no home. It’s a real crisis, and I will now choose to see the problem as it is, an opportunity to pray and trust God with what I should do next.
I am going to pray and ask God to provide wisdom on what I should do next in order to get home for our children and my wife to have a peace of mind. Thank you.
Thanks for this encouraging word and the truth this Living God will solve problems even our sin once confessed and repented from. He is mighty and truly sovereign over all.
“God is faithful, compassionate and His mercies
are new every morning.”
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not
consumed, because his compassions fail
Not. They are new eve morning: great is
they faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22.23 KJV
God is good Praises to Him and Bless your
family!
a very inspiring story, and point well taken. Seek God FIRST.
This is a hard lesson to learn! However, as time and events have proven, surrendering to lean on the Lord and wait for his timing is the only and best way to cope with all situations. His way is always the best for us.
What an encouraging story about finding the strength to rely on God thank you for sharing
wow thanks for sharing your story. every day I try to remind myself hoe good God is. God is always Good. Amen.
Thank you for your personal story and insight. It helps so much to see personal applications for Gods principles.
What a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness. Thank you for sharing.
I RELY ON GOD EVERY SECOND, GOD IS GOOD. I AM 70 YEARS OLD BUT VERY ACTIVE.
Thank you so much for this inspiring message which is so applicable to our everyday challenges.
Thank you for that extremely personal, humanly difficult and so beautiful of a testimony of how real it is that when we submit, them His plan can prevail and despite what we see, keep looking UP! So hard, but so real and so rewarding. God bless you!! Thank you SO much for sharing!!!!
Thank you Chad for that profound lesson! See, Pray and Obey! Lord help me to become a good leader in my family. Amen!
Thank you for sharing. Your experience reminded me God is in control and He can make something beautiful out of something we deem hopeless. May God be pleased with our ‘ see, pray and obey’…to Him be the glory.
Praise the Lord God ALMIGHTY
Thank you for this beautiful testimonial and dedication to faithfulness in God. Your example is so clear and inspiring. May God continue you to bless you and your family as you share your faith with others. Again, I thank you.
In Christ,
Sara
This is a wonderful inspiration and will share with my children. God is good. Thank you.
Thank you so very much for sharing with us. A lesson I’m being taught. I will see, pray and obey. Let me hear and obey the voice of the Lord.
What a testimony!
How much our ‘intellect’ wants to take charge of the issues we face.
God becomes our last option rather than our first choice!
The study of Abram’s life is a challenge, but it’s worth everything.
Thank you for sharing your story. Encouraging and beautiful testimony ???❤️
Thank you so much for sharing your story, I need to continue to learn this big lesson as well!
God is faithful and I , need to lead to be faithful to his word!!
I appreciate seeing your family pictures, you’re very real!
Dealing with this every day in big as well as small things. Thanks for the encouragement to slow dow and pray.
Having an ear to hear God speak is “one of the most” important things in life, and “waiting” on God to open or close doors, and “obedience “ to follow instructions when given, my prayer is for all who need help in their lives, starting with me, “It me oh Lord standing in need of help.”
Thank you for this beautiful message of releasing and letting God choose. Sometimes it is so hard not to panic and jump in and try to solve things ourselves. God Bless and thank you for sharing from the heart.
Thank you for sharing your story. We will trust God.
I want to pass this on to all the men in my life !! You & your family’s AMAZING faith in trusting the Lord’s provision is inspiring example of faithfulness for us all . You really nailed it!! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your journey with us. God never gives up on His slow-to-learn children, does He? Thank goodness!
Thanks for sharing your story Great lessons learned from Abram’s story.
Thanks for sharing your story. Lesson learned, look at a crisis from God’s point of view and not mine, God’s way, not my way. I thank God for the great lessons we’re learning from Abram’s story.
Thank you for sharing how Important it is to allow God in our decision making AT ALL TIMES!
May God bless your family and your son!
Very powerful, also learnt to trust and obey. And to submit my situation to the Almighy before rushing to my own actions and solutions
Inspired and encouraged by your story.Totally trusting, depending and having unwavering faith in God .
Love this story on self reliance and our struggles with depending on God.
New Testament Christ Jesus further encourages us…
Ask
Seek
Knock
Matthew 7:7-12
This was instructive and heart-warming. Thanks so much for the admonishment.
Love it!
Thank you for sharing this experience. It is so encouraging because, it is my nature to “fix things” first before asking God for His help; or, asking for His help and becoming impatient while waiting for His answer, and then taking control of the solution. What a wonderful example your story is of faith training and God’s blessings!
We all should always lay all of our problems at the feet of Jesus Christ then be still and wait upon the Lord. This devotion only confirms all of God’s promises. Thank you for sharing.
Yes! That I may See, pray and obey!!! I’m becoming acutely aware of my wanting to run the show. Thanks for sharing. May God continue to bless all that HE puts your hand to! And Bless the entire family also!
A good reminder from you, and Abram since being a “fixer” is not limited to being a man! Love the “see, pray, obey” line. Thanks
Having the wisdom early enough in our married life to rely upon Gods plan not ours is the key..unfortumately wisdom usually comes wirh age & experience..probably too late for many significant family decisions!
Chad, thank you for your open transparency & sharing God’s triumphs despite ‘man’s efforts’. What a beautiful lesson from which I can learn & share. And praises for Joshua’s successes!
What a great story. I like the ‘see, pray, obey’; good sign for the mirror. I know your family will be a blessing to others who are facing hearing impaired situations.
God bless
This is so true, my “normal” reaction is to “do something”. Even in a secular sense, my rush to action isn’t a good plan. Rarely is immediate action needed. Generally there is time to look at options, consider the “best” solution, plan to implement etc. Why oh why do I fail to add that specific step of asking God for wisdom in every step of that process; seeing what is causing a problem, identify ways that that source could be eliminated, and then asking Him which way is best, then following His lead.
Self reliance = world’s way.
Asking God = God’s plan….
This is an excellent story about Faith, trust and the power of believing to faithful and trust worthy God.
This is such a life transforming story. Thankyou for sharing.
Our God is faithful and true , worthy of our trust and dependence.
I am touched by your story of faith, thank you. I will see, pray and obey today!
What a great testimony to Gods unfailing love if we put our trust in Him regardless of the situation.May He continue to bless your family.Thank you for sharing.
Truly inspiring testimony.
I am a see, solve and fix person. Your testimony has encouraged me to take the baby step to be a see, pray and obey person though a long way to go… .
What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing. We have a disabled daughter and can relate to your devastating news, the fix it mode, then the on and off again journey toward fuller and deeper reliance on the Lord. God is a patient teacher.
What a great testimony. Praise the Lord for turning the pain and suffering into a blessing for all of us. May God continues to use Joshua and multiply his life. Your active obedience really inspired me – see, pray, obey!
Thank you for this! This was really good because for awhile now I wanted to fix everything with my two grown daughters who both live at home. I didn’t really seek God because well “ I knew best for them, I am their mom”.. well I made a mess of things but you are right- so much of what we face is out of our control. So I surrendered each of my girls and their unique circumstances to God and I will seek wisdom and guidance and direction from him- instead doing this on my own wisdom, strength and ability.
Many more blessings to Joshua and family. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for the great sharing. I have learnt See ,pray and obey. Gods way not my way
very encouraging testimony.
Thank you for sharing this. So often we react to the crisis in our own strength and fail, but God lovingly draws us back to His solution, that was available all along.
Beautiful testimony , very encouraging and thank you for sharing.my take away is “Let’s change “see, solve, fix” to “see, pray, obey!” ‘
God is Faithful! God is Good!
Currently in the middle of pancreatic cancer chemotherapy treatment going forward after 9 sequences of sessions for my spouse
Outside human control and prognosis limit quality of life
I have come to notice that every time I don’t depend on God, I mess up and it takes me backwards spiritually.
Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in in Jesus.
Encouraging testimony of God’s faithfulness.
Powerful testimony & great lessons.* see, pray, obey*
God is indeed faithful.
Thank for the post , so many lessons to draw from.
Yes ‘ see-fix-solve’ exalts me not God. But ‘ see -pray- obey ‘ exalts God.
Thank you
Wonderful reality of God’s faithfulness!
Wow glory to God for his provision for your son. BSF has opened my eyes and in my case I am learning to pray, see, listen and obey in faith
Thanks for your sharing! Praise the Lord!
Thank you so much for your willingness to share. A lot of time I forgot to pray. It is good reminder for all of us not to focus on what the problem but focus on Him first. Yes, I keep your advise not “see, solve, fix” but “see, pray, obey”. I am looking forward to share this to my sons too. GBY
Am Encouraged, the way to do it is see ,pray ,obey .may God help me
Like Abram,sometimes I tend to move ahead of God- act quickly without first pausing to consult God.Tjis is an eye opener,I pray for the Grace to ponder before acting
so encouraging. Yes, we all rely on our wisdom and problem solving abilities. Thank you for sharing.
Such a beautiful testimony of God’s grace!
This article spoke volumes to me. God bless you Chad
For so long I have struggled with seeing solving and fixing. Thank you for pointing out the alternative. God bless you indeed!
God is faithful and gracious
Great lesson: See, Pray,Obey. It’s the way I want to practise from now onwards.
Wow! How easy it is to lean on our own understanding and act on it. May the Lord guide to rely on Him each day. In Jesus name.
Wow, God is amazing. May I learn to trust him more in every situation.
Thank you for sharing your story! I often times react to a problem and jump to resolve it very quickly so I don’t bring it to God in prayer. I am learning and trying to go to a quiet place to consult with God. The outcome is so much better when I do this.
I want to rely on God.
Blessings to you & your family!
Thank you for sharing. As a single mum, I identify with making decisions for preservation of my child and myself. Many times I “see, solve, fix” while at the same time desperately praying for God to help me make the right decisions. Your story will help me to do more of “see, pray, obey!” which means being still before God as I present my issues to Him, patient to hear His voice and quick to obey His instructions.
Very inspirational and total dependence on God yields the best fruit. Thanks
Very inspiring indeed and i was greatly encouraged by this piece.
See, pray and obey. May God help us trust him and not lean on our own understanding (Prov 3:5-6). Like Abram I sometimes find myself leaning family and self-preservation when instead I should be seeking God for their provision.
Thank you for the encouragement to rely on God for every detail in our lives. He is in control and desires to have our hearts & obedience which translates into our love for Him. He is a good good God. Who are we that He is mindful of us? His children made in His image ❤️
Beautiful and very encouraging testimony. Thank you.
A very valuable truth to learn. See,pray,obey. Thank you!
Thank you Mr. Chad for sharing this. Made me realize how important to always ask God in prayer
for guidance. God bless you and your family.
This is a beautiful testimony for us women problem solvers too! I have come to learn to see, pray and obey much quicker than in my past. Thank you for a wonderful testament of how God’s long suffering patience helps grow our trust in Him and is instrumental in developing us more into the image of Christ!
See Pray Obey…
This is deep.
May God continue to bless and keep your family! Beautiful testimony!
Thank you for being so honest in your sharing. I had also suffered the consequences of fixing things myself, without first asking the Lord for solution. We tend to revert to our natural when caught in a state of unpreparedness. Through the years, yes, I am not a fast learner, with the help of His Holy Spirit I’m now in the process of making “see, pray and obey” to be my natural. It takes practice and in His mercy, I had been spared the ultimate result of disobedience. Praise and Honour to Him!
I love this ! As I did the lesson this week these convictions kept coming..I kept wondering,”am I hearing you right LORD” “Is this what you want me to see” “Is this me? Am I obeying part of the way? Then I open my email and here is your story! Thank you for following Him and sharing it! He has used you in a mighty way to assure me He has begun a good work in me ,and will complete it! May we all never stop listening and following OUR GOD as He speaks through His word and people.And always sharing the work HE HAS DONE in our lives. What a witness your family is to His faithfulness and love.
That was so encouraging!! Although you did not write this to get us to pray for your son in his last year of engineering, I will do so.
I have learnt the many mistakes I make like Abram… dispute my privilege and Scripture Knowledge through BSF…… mist important I have learnt the secret…. see, pray and obey
The motto for a believer is See, Pray & Obey. I pray the Holy Spirit will remind me when I want to See & fix. Thank you for sharing a valuable lesson.
Thank you so much for sharing of your story! It reminds me to trust God, pray and obey! God is always faithful and full of mercy! May God continue to bless and guide Joshua and his parents!
See, pray & obey instead of see solve & fix ! Thanks for the wonderful sharing !
Patiently waiting on God’s perfect timing and His plan for me. It is scary though.
Great testimony…
May Jesus be praised
Thats a great write up and testimony. It minister to me . Thank You
How relevant and timely! Thanks for that reminder
Thank you for sharing your story. I am a “see, solve, fix” person. We need to move into a safer, ADA-type home and I want to plow through the problem and get it fixed, NOW! Your story encourages me to stay still and wait for the Lord to provide the right house in the right location.
What a testimony to God’s faithfulness and patience! May He continue to bless and guide Joshua and his parents . . . and us as we follow His lead. Thank you.
When I wanted to get married I had to pray to God to lead my choice. He helped me to eliminate other choices by asking me questions and also revelations through dreams. I am glad I prayed this was 29 years ago and have had no regrets since.
What an encouraging message to rely on God and not our own wisdom. Chad’s message will be a great help when I’ll have to make a difficult choice. Thank you Lord for you’ll never disappoint us!
Thank you for sharing your heart. I loved this weeks lesson, as it showed me how God is in control my life. He is ever present and wants the very best for me/us.
I enjoyed the precious success you shared and how relying on our Lord, will bring for the truth and go ducted is to obey!!
What a touching story!
I believe God simply for what He says, with no need for a sign. I believe God even when the circumstances around us scream. And I am sure that when I believe God, I will receive all the promises that He has for me.
May God continue to bless Joshua and his family. What a encouraging story for all of men who try to fix everything on our own. Thanks for sharing this work of God.
What a great testimony,I was so encouraged.It’s true we have to rely and submit to Our Loving God,who is in full control.
I just retired from a job (after 30+ years) that required me to see, solve and fix on a daily basis. Today, I am cognizant of the great need in my life to let go of seemingly urgent decision-making and let God have His way– for His glory and my good. It’s not the easiest transition to make but I know it’s so worth it. Thank you for a reflection that has been most helpful for me. I appreciate the steps that you so clearly identified: see, pray, obey! God bless you and family Chad!
Thank you for such an enlightening true story. Once follow the “See-Pray-Obey” logic, I found out that the tough parts are how to ensure I get guidance from God after praying & obey even in very difficult situations. Maybe this is the training that God wants me to go through, learning how to grab his saying toward me & building a strong mind to face tough situations.
I love and enjoy this story. It’s was very informative and enlightening. Thanks for sharing.
thankyou Chad ! what a beautiful testimony of encouragement to keep doing the ‘next right thing’ and keep moving on in the Lord
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
Am Encouraged, the way to do it is see ,pray ,obey .may God help me
Beautiful testimony and beautiful family! Thank you.
Such an amazing experience of faith. Thank you for breaking it down. We are all such good fixers and once we miss or mess it hits us that we didn’t consult our dear Lord whose readily available to help us.
Thank you for sharing and teaching all rolled up in one presentation.
I welcome more of these in the future.
Be well.
What a great testimony to our humanness and God’s promises.
Wow … That’s an incredible testimony of Dependance on God. I’m encouraged to see the change in principle… Let’s change “see, solve, fix” to “see, pray, obey!”
Appreciate this marvellous reminder & practicum into my own life & family situations, Bro. GBWU.
Thanks for the ‘ Let’s change “see, solve, fix” to “see, pray, obey!” ‘ Our family is actually experiencing a crisis and now we are reminded to rely on the faithful God fully, we shall see HIS wonders ??
Thank for the great thought in the leadership role of “ see solve and fix” TO “ see pray and obey” .
Many a time I have felt that what I am doing is right and have failed. His reminds me freedom in surrender is the greatest.
I am so blessed to hear your story. My son hasn’t learned to go to God. You see, I’ve prayed for God to do whatever it takes to bring my son to saving faith. It’s been really scary to watch. I wonder how much more but I have faith in God’s plans. Thank you for sharing.
A great reminder…sometimes I try to solve & fix without truly seeing! How much wiser to pray & obey….
What a heart warming story. So many good examples that we need to remember to follow. Thanks for sharing.
Terrific testimony to give ourselves to God and let Him lead us!!
Great lesson and testimony in learning to walk with God a step at a time and patiently wait upon Him. This coincides with what I’m studying about the life of Abram. His trust was born out of a relationship with God, where he obviously made many mistakes along the way. Yet God still proved faithful. May we be as patient with ourselves as He is with us!
Thank you so much for sharing. I love your solution. You should be very proud of your outstanding son! God has blessed him with great parents.
Thank you for your words, they are very helpful to me at this time. I, too, have tried to “fix” things. I am going thru something now, that I
have tried to fix in the past, but I have finally trusted God to take over. He is so good- all the time.
Thanks so much for writing this. A great reminder to rely on the Lord.
Excellent lesson! Thanks!
Thank you for sharing such an inspiring testimony. It is really encouraging to know that God is always around. Thank you for your reminder to “see, pray and obey”!
Yes, I agree that I too feel a need to control and fix things, people etc. but I’ve learned what a blessing it is to let go and trust God is in control and Is sovereign over all. What peace we have when we accept Gods Grace and believe in Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
What an inspiring testimony. Thank you so much, it was a timely reminder to me to pray first and not react in a thoughtless response or even sometimes in anger.
God is the God of perfect timing!
Great testimony!
See, pray and obey!
God is good! Love it! Thank you for your transparency!
Beautiful testimony.
Praise God for this amazing lesson of see , pray , obey..many times we see , solve, fix and end up in a Web of mistakes and then look for God to help us out..thank you for sharing this. I was helping my friend yesterday to fix her problem and now I know I can turn her eyes to Jesus and also mine.praise God for these timely lessons.
Beautiful testimony of the difference of relying on God as opposed to our desire to Fix things. Thank you for sharing!
I learned a wonderful truth through this blog post about seeking God for wisdom and guidance instead of trying to solve the problems on my own strength. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your touching life story. It’s a wonderful lesson in listening and hearing with the heart.
We’ve certainly been sold this ‘wisdom of the age’ of the ‘self-made/self-reliant man’ for far too long. Too many of us have both willingly and unconsciously bought into such a vacuous ideal – hook, line and sinker. It’s endemic in virtually all earthly institutions and we’re paying the terrible price of ‘doing it on our own’ (sans God). Overworking and being overly stressed with their resultant addictions and their detrimental impact on what truly matters (ie: being rightly related to God and people), are but a tip of the iceberg. Thanking God that the de-conditioning can happen because His Word is powerful and transformative (Rom 12:2) – to those who have ears to hear what the Spirit has to say. Nonetheless, years/decades of such conditioning do take time for renewal. God offers not an alternative but the ONLY worthwhile and sustainable way to truly live and flourish, while we await His return. May we as men (and women) of God dare to be transformed by Him, that we may then be agents of godly change in the spheres of influence He’s placed us in.
Thanks for sharing this now given the season we are in.
Going to forward to my group.
God is trustworthy, what a testimony of GOD’S goodness, really enjoyed this
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story reminding us to run to God for every problem we face and to obey Him rather than try to fix it, mess it up and then run to God!
Praise be to God for your sons achievements despite his hearing loss?
Thank you for sharing! May the Lord continue to bless and guide him.
Thank you for sharing your personal story, I was convicted, challenged and encouraged by it. Encouraged to see, pray and obey versus see, solve and fix – a powerful life application!!
Thank you for these insights. I am a great grandmother to a 5 year old girl named Kendyl and she is profoundly deaf. You have brought encouragement and challenged a young single mom..a grandmother who is providing daily care for Kendyl and a great grandmother that is busy praying ….
Wonderful reminder that God is in control and it’s better to wait on God than to go at it alone.
Thank you for sharing. Self reliance without inquiring of God and not bouncing our plans off God is so true of us in the face of challenges of this world.
Need the reminder
Daily
Especially in 2020
Bless you and your family! I am so glad that things worked out this well for all of you. Your story will inspire others to think outside the box if a child needs services that are not immediately available.
Encouraging touching story. See Pray Obey. Good advice.
I would like to add a bit to the story just shared. We are living with a decision that our youngest daughter sprang on us her junior year in high school. She was very uncomfortable with her school, church, and family life and decided to change them all in one fell swoop. It seems that school was too structured, church sermons were too loud and personally revealing, and family was too demanding. She quit and left for the west coast.
We were left to pray for her and WAIT patiently for her to show us a sign of remorse or a change in her life. Patience is something God asks of us while we are trying to solve our own problems, His challenges with us, as we struggle with those things He has already considered and resolved, WITHOUT US!
We are still waiting on Him to show us how to help our youngest child. This is now 36 years, and we are sure God has heard our prayers and will show us His answer, in His time!
Time is not the same in God’s world as in ours. We must learn how to be patient His way in His time.
Great story testimony. Thank you
My problems are related to my inability to afford housing and I will be settled for awhile and then it always comes back as I age it gets harder to solve. I have totally surrendered this to God
Was it ‘denial’ on the part of his parents that kept his son from the support he so badly needed in his first 2 years of life? I can’t imagine what the baby and toddler would have gone through trying to do life when no one knew he was profoundly deaf! For 2.5 years!
Is there a way you can be advocates to parents who are struggling and in denial by sharing some of the early signs? And resources available?
I trust that will be some of the good that comes from this story.
What are great and helpful story for me and everyone. I like to “fix” a problem and I thank you for your reminder to pray for God’s good and perfect plan. The more we let go of our control and hand things over to God the more blessings we see!
Thank you for sharing. Your story and wisdom convicted me but also brought thankful tears to my eyes.
Bless you and your family.
Great encouragement and life application.
Hi Chad, yes it is a lesson men and women need to learn. I felt so much I needed to be around to help my children and now grandchildren, but the older I get the more I see, that, yes I need to be a godly influence and help to my family, but praise God – He is and always will be the greatest leader and provider for myself and my family. God’s ways are perfect, this I certainly believe but need to remind myself of this wonderful truth each and every day. Long after I am taken home to be forever with my Lord, He will be faithfully looking after the family He has blessed me with. God bless Steven.
What a great testimony in relying and submitting to God’s plan. I am so happy to see your son doing so well in school. His deafness has become his strength in witnessing God’s grace, love and perfect plan. Thanks for sharing your testimony. Praise the Lord!
So happy for you and your whole family. Thanks for sharing your ‘lessons’. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story.
I think we all can learn from it.
It is especially useful at this time in our nation.
Trust and obey there is no other way.
God’s blessing.
Praise be to Lord Jesus Christ for His grace souround you and your son and your family regards jfrancis Vijayamohan Chennai
Your testimony will touch many lives , please share this with everyone. Your family is a wonderful example of how God ‘s plan works
Amen!!
Thank you for sharing your story. I need to remember that: see, pray, obey.
I also have a son who loves to golf even though he has a balance disorder. He’s not the greatest at it but I have learned through him what it means to persevere and from God I see His faithfulness and love for my son.
Thank You so much for this testimony! As a grandmother with a grandchild with multiple special needs it brought hope & joy in Jesus. Blessings Rebecca in Ohio Isaiah 41:9a-10
Thanks for sharing your story. This is so relevant to my life right now. Selling my Florida home and moving back to the UK and in the middle of this, my 98 year old mum in another country fell and fractured her hip. The stress of trying to “fix” things in my own strength and then remember to pray and allow God to hold me, strengthen me, comfort me through these two big life stresses, has been a learning curve to trust God at a deeper level. This only happened this past week but knowing that he is sovereign and in control, I am at peace.
Thank you. In our woman’s BSF today several talked about that decision.
“See, pray, obey!!”
What an inspirational story!!
I can do that!!
Very encouraging story! But don’t we all fall into the ‘see, solve, fix’ when we face problems?
God help us to know that you are in control and your promises to us are ever sure. So that when we face problems, we should pause, ‘see, pray and obey’.
What a caring God we serve. He made me read this article . I and my husband are in our senior years and transitioning to migrate to the US. Our eldest daughter and her husband have been prodding us to live with them and leave our native land, the Philippines. We have many questions, uncertainties and fears. The story of Abram has taught me to pray, pray, pray ,wait, and obey.. Thank you for sharing your story Mr. Chad Lackey. Blessings and more blessings to you and your family. I praise God for your son too. ♥️
As a retired nurse, wife, mother of 3 and grandmother of five, I am often in the “see, dove, fix” mind set. Thank you for pointing out that “see, pray, obey” is much less stressful.
A good pointer to a usual human behaviour when we face difficult situations whereby we do not pray for God’s guidance instead take up our own control.
What an awesome story!!
Thank you for your story and testimony of knowledge and understanding and then the APPLICATION of wisdom. As it is written, FIRST, SEEK THE KINGDOM (WAIT, LISTEN, ACT ON FAITH). We serve a relationalship God. He created us for involvement ?
As a Deaf interpreter I was thrilled to read this story!!
Congratulations and may God continue to bless you as you allow Him to lead
May God bless you for being a Deaf interpreter!
What a beautiful and touching story. It makes me think of all the mistakes I have made in the past and still make because I fail to hand it over to the one who cares enough to fix it for me.
Excellent true experience. We lose a lot when we do it on our own. Relying on God is the best shortcut.
Love the story Chad! What an example of
Gods faithfulness.
Your faith in God is so encouraging to me. It is so important to learn to rely on God even in times of peace so as to prepare of heart and faith in times of crisis. Thank you Chad.
Beautiful story with a blessed ending. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story. This helped me understand the relation between God and Abram better and relate this relationship in my life.
What a brilliant idea to play golf – no distractions! Great sharing brother.
What a wonderful story and what a wonderful God we have ! I hope to learn lessons from this, though rather late in life!
Never to Late God is infinitely patient.
It’s encouraging to hear of others experiences.
He has been faithful to our family too! Our daughters have learned from us and have now five more families tracking with God!
It’s exciting and painful. Waiting for His perfect timing or pushing forward to ‘catch up’!
I have learnt to always enquire from God before I do anything. God is Allknowing He knows my beginning and my ending.
That is such an awesome story. Being NZer’s and living in 2 other countries, thanks to my BSF study over 20 years, I can look back and see God’s faithfulness. I’m thankful we have stopped to see, pray, obey. It was so hard. But what abundance and blessing we have experienced from this. Amen. God is good.
Praise God for using you to comfort me.
Praying that we will continue to rely on God and not man as we go through this COVID crisis which has caused great fear among believers and unbelievers alike. In the “face of fear”, I truly believe we have relied on man and not on God….instead of trusting Him and having a godly fear. In the face of fear, we have succumbed to allowing our self fear to become prominent in our hearts and have made our health an idol. BSF headquarters should be an encouragement to so many and not go with the current culture about this virus or any other virus. If we continue to not meet in person and let fear grip our hearts, it will only serve Satan’s scheme of Satan’s desire for us to never meet in person again. We, in our human mind, sadly, have come to the conclusion that we can control sickness. In such a time as this, we need to trust God and not fear what we cannot control.
What’s wonderful true illustration of asking God for help & trusting Him!
Thank you for sharing this story. I have had a horrible 13+ years. My husband pasted away from a health issue at 55 which was devastating to myself and my son. (Who has not figured out why God didn’t give his Dad a healing and has left his belief in God). I have struggled with that also. But I keep hanging in there to a point. I also lost our home to foreclosure 2 years later with the down slope of the housing market. Had my mom in law living with me (in her 90’s). And working full-time. Had a head on accident and could no longer work in my profession. My life was and sometimes still a mess. WHY, I LEFT GOD OUT OF MY LIFE. I still struggle to move on but BSF had help me realize God has never left me. I was leaving God out of the picture and not understanding. This years Study has helped me to understand better. And thank you for showing me and others how important it is to TRUST and OBEY GOD’S PLAN. I hope to turn more and more of my Hope into God for myself and my Son and his 2 kids. (SINGLE DAD) MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY prayer is to continue to learn and apply these lessons in my life. I still struggle with my prayer life and get down alot but I’ll get there with God. Thank you!!!!
Glenda, thanks for sharing your story. I can’t imagine how hard it has been over the last 13 years! I am thankful studying God’s Word in BSF has given you the realization that he, indeed, never left you. Know that we are praying for you and your family. And, I join you in praying for continued application in life. Hang in there sis!
What a wonderful story. I realize that I always need to pause and ask God for wisdom and guidance with any challenge I have. I will also trust that he is indeed giving that wisdom and guidance.
think and pray before you react.
Beautiful testimony, thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for blessing us with your sharing. The Lord’s grace is indeed amazing and overflowing!
I just got off the phone with my TL preparing for tonight. And my concerns for him were the same I want to briefly share with you. The story of your son is both heart-breaking and heart-warming. I am grateful you received and applied messages from the Biblical account to you life. I think most people tend to agree with your interpretation and view of what transpired.
However, I do not. None of what you are saying is actually in the text. There is actually very little in the text….6 verses for hundreds of miles and months of journeying. I am saying that to caution us from reading 21st century views into a story that happened almost 4,000 years ago. Abram just traversed the promised land from north to south building altars and worshipping God. The notion he didn’t communicate with God or God didn’t tell him what to do next or thinking Abram had fear or selfishness or disregard for his wife, seems far fetched. Since the Bible is silent on all these issues, it must not be necessary for His Story. We can engage in ALL the different interpretations both form a 2,000 BC as well as 2,000 AD viewpoint. Which is fun and helps us drive the story deeper. And perhaps one of the insights will help us in out life.
But to say Abram did this and that, like we know for sure, and you did here as well as BSF did in the notes, does in my view great damage to the account. Please share different interpretations and leave the lesson for the reader. Thank you.
I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment of how we should leave the lesson for the reader.
This is very encouraging, contemporary example of living by faith.
How difficult it is sometimes to remember that God has the answers before there are even questions. Thank you for sharing your testimony.
Very encouraging to me. God is absolutely in control. All eyes must be on him for wisdom and guidance in all circumstances
What a great reminder of our ‘strengths’ getting in the way! Thank you for sharing! You now see how blessed you are to have been chosen as parents of one of God’s very special children!
I am so thankful for the Lord’s gentleness and tenderness to us in times such as you have described. Your testimony has brought it out very clearly that the only path when faced with such monumental decisions is seeking the Lord in faith. His faithfulness is unceasing. Praise to Him for Joshua’s triumphs and integration into God’s place for him in this world.
I could be Joshua’s grandmother, by my age, but instead He chose to give me other grandchildren. Among the 8 grandchildren I have are three adopted ones, each with challenges that might bring you to tears as your story has for me. Tears of joy as well as thankfulness for knowing we serve the same Lord Who is also being faithful and tender- hearted with our family as well as the now young adults we dearly love. Their stories are far from fully written, yet I can pray for them in faith much the same as you have, I’m sure! What a mighty God we serve! All praise and honor and glory and power to His holy name!
Thank you so much for sharing your story of lessons learned and faithfulness to our Lord!
Wonderful testimony of praying for God’s wisdom, guidance, waiting and obeying His voice. Thanks for sharing.
Great advice, Chad. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
What gorgeous smiles! I rejoice with you for the earthly obstacles you ALL have overcome with dependence upon our LORD! Thank you for sharing your story and blessing untold numbers of people! For His glory!
Thank you! Perfect timing! God is using Abraham and your story in my life.
Thank you for sharing your story. I t is amazing how the Lord directs our paths that are unknown to us. He always has a better plan than we do.
Good message Chad: Lets change “see, solve, fix” to “see, pray, obey!” Thanks for the update on Josh.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of faith and a reminder that we are to turn to God in all situations. There always is a tricky balance of “going” — being on the move in faith – and waiting expectantly. Your son is an awesome reminder that God brings amazing successes out of challenges before us.
I have to fix the see, solve fix, to see, pray, and obey! With God’s help! ☝️?
Chad, just the words this “fixer” needed to hear. It also brings to mind that my wife has been gently trying to persuade me of the same thing. Now I have it!
See, Pray, Obey!
Faith that has not been tested is faith that cannot be trusted. There is Abram in his promised land…. and Guess Who causes a famine? A test! Hint: It wasn’t Satan…
Geneva Bible footnotes suggest he kept on moving (Was the Negev EVEN part of this promise? Eeeewww!) because the Canaanites were ugly with him. But events with Canaanites recorded later showed them to be friendly to a fault, so not sure that excuse will wash.
What a great testimony, I could not stop my tears !
Thank you for sharing the glory of God and His amazing Work through you and your family ??
Many blessings to you and your family
What a blessing your son was to your family.
Chad,
Thank you for sharing this powerful story. Clearly, I am guilty of solving before seeking then praying for direction afterward. It must be a male trait not to asking for directions. By taking this simple action we would avoid pain and confusion. Life is a roller coaster up and down, we all know God is our tracks, supporting us all the way.
Blessings to you and your family,
Ed
What an incredible testimony to God’s mercy,grace,and tenderness. Thank the for sharing.
Wonderful!!! What a handsome, talented, intelligent young man!!!
ALLELUIA !!!!!!!
Beautiful, very encouraging and timely. Pray and wait on the LORD.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! I, too, find that trying to do everything myself will lead to God showing me that His way is always better. I am never in control but I know my Lord is.
Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans
Wow thank you so much for sharing your story. It has blessed me & I’m going to share it with my husband.
God bless you & your beautiful family!