We all have a family history. Some of us may know beyond a couple generations, others of us may not. Just curious, do you know where your ancestors are from? There is so much talk in the news about “immigrants.” Not to get political here, but we are all immigrants from one place to another. I’m an American now living in Mexico. Looking back, I have great-great grandparents that came from Norway. My maternal grandmother also traced our roots back to the Mayflower on her side of the family. It’s always been an interest of mine to know my roots. Then there’s the fact we are all foreigners here on earth – heaven being our true home. (But that’s a whole different discussion!)
Well, today’s account from Genesis gives us a bit more of the genealogy of those first humans. Again, keep in mind that this history we are reading in Genesis is a culmination of stories collected and shared over a number of years. Stories were used to explain how things came to be. The Word of God is inspired by God, so we know we can trust it, but to take it literally may not be the most helpful with this style of writing.
We all have things that we are good at. This account gives credit to those family members who were known for their trade or their talents. God has gifted each of us with something that we can use for the benefit of others. It becomes a spiritual gift when we use it for the benefit of furthering the kingdom. That is, to do God’s work, he gives us the tools we need to complete our mission.
Above all, God created us to worship him and be in relationship with him. I like how it says in this passage that, “At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name.” God had created them and given them life. They were now remembering who created them and giving him thanks. We should never lose sight of who created us and why.
I can remember writing journal after journal as a young woman asking God what my purpose was. There are still times I question him. I want to make sure I am doing what he planned for me. As I get older, I look back on the years. I see times when I strayed, I see times when I was on fire. I see times of struggle and times of joy. I see a broken heart, a broken spirit. I see a renewed strength and hopeful anticipation. Take a moment to reflect on your life. All of it. It may not all be rainbows and unicorns!
God was there through it all. He protects us more than we realize. We are never promised a problem-free life. The twists and turns are what make us who we are. What I learned in my time leading the Celebrate Recovery ministry is that God never wastes a hurt. While he mourns with us during times of struggle, he will always bring us out on the other side stronger. Something good will come from any hurt — look for it. Maybe your experience will help someone else. That is always my hope. We may never know how our story has impacted the lives of another. I do have the distinct honor of having been told by several women that my story has given them hope.
We all come from somewhere. We have our experiences, our joys, our sorrows, our baggage. We can let our baggage weigh us down, or we can throw it aside and be renewed by a God who loves us. He will restore us. That is something you can count on. Just let him. Don’t hold on to the ugliness, let it go. Find your freedom with Christ.
Let’s pray. Lord, you have brought me to this time and place. Having traversed over rough terrain, sometimes bumpy, sometimes swampy, I am here. I stand ready for you to use me. May I leave my history behind and focus on a future with you. May the lessons I’ve learned help others who may be stuck in those same places I was stuck. Use me, God, to bring your peace into this shattered world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
