Abraham The Faithful Businessman

This week's devotionals are written by members of our GS Business Group

Genesis 13 v2 (NIV)Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold. Parma-ham, Parmesan cheese, Balsamic vinegar, Tortellini, Mortadella, tomatoes that make the most intense and delicious Pasta Ragu. What do all these world -famous foods have in common? They all originate from the wonderfully fertile Po Valley in Northern Italy also known as the Padan Plain.  Over many years, the River Po has transported silk and nutrients from the Alps and Apennine mountains to the Po Valley resulting in a Plain blessed with well-watered hummus-like fine brown-almost chocolatey soil.

Abraham was a very successful businessman, wealthy with assets including livestock, silver and gold. We know he eventually grew his business to at least 300 staff.  So when conflict broke out between his staff and Lot’s staff; Abraham’s solution was to take a huge risk and offer Lot first choice on which land he wanted. As we can see from the Po Valley, the best land produces the best produce and livestock. So when Lot looked over the well-watered Jordan plain towards Zoar and decided on this as his new land (v10) Abraham might have been forgiven for feeling a little put out. But no, he showed incredible generosity, patience and faith in God and risk-taking ability to move his whole farming business to second-choice real estate with no regret.

Later on we read that God told Abraham all the land he could see would be his and his offspring, forever! (v15) What a reward for his faith! In Hebrews 11v16 the Bible says ‘..without faith it is impossible to please God. ’Next time you’re faced with a decision in uncertain circumstances, trust in God, make the right choice, and he will bless you more than you can imagine!

Prayer — Lord, keep me patient and faithful in my daily life and show me when to take risks in your Name.