The Power of Agreement - Part Three

"Believing and agreeing are two remarkably different actions."

Just as we saw in Part One of this series how the power of agreement can bring forth Eden out of desolation and waste, there are times when the power of agreement can actually produce undesirable results. Our father Abraham is a great example of what can happen when people agree to something that is not ordained of GOD.

In Genesis 15, GOD speaks to Abram and assures him that his heir will be a son from his own body. GOD goes so far as to make a covenant with Abram concerning his seed, during which He prophesies the 400 years of bondage Abram's descendants would endure as well as the concluding mass exodus that would strip their oppressors of much wealth. Less than ten years after Abram received GOD's covenant promise, his wife Sarai took it upon herself to proclaim to her husband that, "GOD has not yet seen fit to let me have a child" (Gen. 16:2, The Message Remix). However, her proclamation was followed by the suggestion, "Sleep with my maid. Maybe I can get a family from her" (Gen. 16:2, The Message Remix), and Abram agreed.

Now back in the fifteenth chapter of Genesis, the Word declares that Abram believed GOD and it was counted to him for righteousness. This was before GOD made the aforementioned convenant with Abram concerning his seed. Abram took GOD at His word, believed Him and, as a result, was made right with GOD. Yet, over time it appears that Abram's faith wavered. With each passing week, month and year minus any sign of a son, doubt slowly chipped away at Abram's resolve to wait for GOD's promise to be fulfilled. In the meantime, Sarai -- in her impatience and desperation -- devises a plan according to her own reasoning to get what she wants and influences Abram to come into agreement with her.

So how does Abram go from believing GOD to agreeing with Sarai? GOD's word ("a son from your body will be your heir") was consistent with His identity ("I'm the same GOD who brought you from Ur of the Chaldees and gave you this land to own"), both of which were consistent with his
actions ("GOD made a covenant with Abram"). Abram believed GOD, but he agreed with Sarai -- two remarkably different actions. Believing and agreeing.

The Word of GOD clearly states that all things are possible to them who believe. However, it also says that when we touch and agree, things happen. Believing transforms impossibilities into possibilities, but agreement manifests the reality of that which is possible. Our call to a life of consistency is clearly illustrated by this particular example. It is when we both believe GOD and agree with Him that we can see the plans and purposes of GOD for our lives manifest before our very eyes. But when we believe GOD and agree with someone else concerning how what we've believed GOD for can be manifested by our own means, we run the risk of creating an Ishmael, a seed of contention that will rise against the promise as a constant reminder of what happens when we try to manifest GOD's promises in our own strength and on our own terms. Be blessed, friends!