Grow as a Disciple: Pray, Study, Engage, Serve

What struck me when I first read this passage from the Book of Genesis, in which the Lord speaks to Abraham, is God's proclamation that it is through his will and his work that the blessings and goodness of Abraham's future will come about. It is not a vague statement, in which the subject is omitted. God clearly says, "I will make your name great." Abraham was a faithful servant of God and sought to obey God's will, but that is not what made his name memorable. It is due to God's will and generosity that Abraham's blessings came about. I sometimes struggle with giving up credit for the good things in my life. I want to believe that my work, my talents, and my dedication have brought about these good things. But the reality is that all of who I am and the skills that I have is a gift. I was created by God and formed by others to hone certain dispositions and talents that have led to my accomplishments. When we come to realize that all we have is a gift, we are able to offer our lives back to be transfigured and glorified by God, who creates and gives all things.