“I’LL DO IT MY WAY” by Rev. Lyle W. Pettit, September 25, 2005

The very mention of the name Abraham causes multitudes of people to perk up their ears!

Muslims, Jews, & Christians alike look to this patriarch -- Abraham -- as the founder of their religion.

Abraham is not only one of the greatest names in history -- he is one of the greatest of the great!

His story is recorded in the very first Book of the Bible -- Genesis.

Twice in Scripture -- Abraham is called "the friend of God" (Isa. 41:8 & James 2:23) -- What a privilege!

Abraham's place in the Bible is altogether unique.

He stands out as a landmark in the spiritual history of the world.

According to Genesis 15 -- the Lord took Abraham outside beneath the night sky & told him to "look up into the heavens & count the stars if you can. -- Your descendants will be like that -- too many to count."

"And Abraham believed the Lord, -- & the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith" (15:6 NLT).

A life that pleases God is a life that is marked by faith!

When we believe that God is real -- & that God keeps His Word -- it makes all the difference in the world -- in how we live!

Abraham was just such a man of faith! -- He took God at His Word!

However -- however -- this great man of God -- Abraham -- was subject to failures! -- His character -- like the sun -- had its spots!

What is so interesting about the Bible is that it tells the whole story! -- The good, the bad, & the ugly. -- The Bible does not cover up the truth.

Abraham's biggest fault was that he insisted on doing things his own way -- & in his own time! -- And this often led to trouble!

Abraham was willing to follow God's call upon his life.

He wanted to obey God -- but in his own way -- & on his own terms.

Abraham was not the only person who wanted to do it his way!

Frank Sinatra -- wrote the lyrics of a song which he made famous -- entitled: My Way. -- In the words of Frank Sinatra: --

I've lived a life that's full.

I've traveled each -- & ev'ry highway;

But more, -- much more than this,

I did it my way.

I planned each charted course;

Each careful step along the by-way,

But more, -- much more than this,

I did it my way.

The record shows -- I took the blows --

And did it my way!

I don't know about you -- but I have discovered in my 60 plus years -- that for me -- the best way is not always my way.

There are times in which I could sing along with Frank Sinatra: -- "I did it my way." -- The fact is -- the results were not always the best.

At times I wish I could have interviewed Sinatra -- & discovered whether or not -- in his most introspective moments -- that way of life had really worked for him. -- It's an interesting question -- isn't it?

A whole lot of people have done a royal job of messing up their lives by doing things their way. -- How about you?

Are you still trying to do things your way? -- Or are you willing to let God have His way in your life?

Like Abraham; -- like Sinatra; -- it is easy for you & me -- to become self-centered -- & want to do things our own way!

Sometimes we think our way is a better way!

It is not easy for us to do things the way others may want them done.

Our parents -- our spouse -- our teachers -- our boss -- may want us to do things differently -- but instead we insist on doing things "my way."

And this attitude -- "I'll do it my way" -- often causes personal struggles -- & sometimes it even causes conflict among people.

And this attitude -- "I'll do it my way" -- carries over into our spiritual lives -- & can come into conflict with God's perfect will for our lives.

Sad to say -- it often seems easier to try to accomplish things our own way -- rather than God's way. -- But God's way is always the best way!

Abraham's life illustrates this truth for us -- for such was the case with Abraham. -- He had to learn through his own mistakes.

I want to examine four occasions (episodes) -- in Abraham's life -- when he insisted in "doing it my way!"

1. Abraham Stayed in Haran! -- (Genesis 11:31)

When the Lord first called this fore-father of Israel -- then called Abram -- from Ur of the Chaldeans -- he was told "to go into the land of Canaan."

Look at Gen. 11:31-- "Go into the land of Canaan; -- & they came unto Haran, & dwelt there."

Instead of following the Lord's direction & going to Canaan -- the family made an extended stop in Haran. -- (Haran can be viewed as the land of disobedience)

When they got as far as Haran -- they settled down there!

They started out in the right direction -- but they stopped short!

The Bible doesn't record that they sojourned there -- but that they dwelt there; -- they settled there.

The word dwell has the concept of taking up permanent residence.

This family was doing it their way -- rather than God's way!

Partial obedience is in the end -- disobedience!

God's work will go forward -- even when we stand in the way.

God's plans would not be stymied -- even through disobedience.

God stepped in -- & removed Abram's father (Terah) -- from the scene through the avenue of death (cf 11:32).

Terah -- along with his son, Abraham -- had a dream to make it to Canaan -- but the dream died with him in Haran.

That still happens today! -- Instead of making it to the Canaan of their dreams -- many people die with their dream in Haran.

Having removed Terah from the scene -- God then renewed Abraham's call -- saying, “Leave your country, your relatives & your father's house, & go to the land that I will show you. -- I will cause you to become the father of a great nation." (Gen 12:1-2a NLT).

So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed him (12:4).

My friends -- it is so easy for us -- 4,000 years later -- to stop just when the Lord is moving & blessing us.

At times -- God may have to take some drastic steps to get us going again; -- to get us back on the path of obedience!

We should remember Haran -- & never allow ourselves to get bogged down for any reason when the Lord calls.

Nor should we allow family members -- or friends -- to divert us from doing God's will.

2. Abraham Strayed Into Egypt! -- (Genesis 12)

Clearly -- the Scriptures show that the Lord's intended destination for Abraham & his family was Canaan; -- & after a long journey, “into the land of Canaan they came" (12:5).

As Abram moved through the land -- God again promised to give it to him -- & then God enlarged the promise to include his offspring.

God had been so good to Abram -- that Abram stopped & built an altar to the Lord -- calling on God's name & worshiping Him there (12:8).

Abram's heavenly experience lasted just as long as he stayed near his altar.

Then for some unknown reason -- Abram made a serious mistake.

Gen. 12:9 -- tells us "Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south."

This was a tragic mistake -- for each step took him farther from the altar -- & closer to Egypt. -- Oh, only if he had stayed close to the altar of God!

As Abram continued his journey south -- a famine hit the area -- & there was no food for his family -- or his herds.

I believe God allowed this famine to occur in order to test the faith of this patriarch.

But instead of trusting the Lord to provide -- Abram decided to take matters into his own hands once again.

And again -- trouble lay ahead! -- "Down" is always the wrong direction!

Egypt looked good!

In the green, lush delta of the River Nile -- there would be plenty of food.

So Abram went on down to Egypt. -- He did it "my way"!

The account of Abram's experience in Egypt makes sorry reading; -- every day increased his misery!

Abram ran into a major problem; -- his wife Sarah.

Sarah was beautiful -- & would be desired by the Egyptian men.

Abram feared that they would do away with him in order to have her.

And so -- Abraham again did it his own way!

Instead of telling the Egyptians that Sarah was his wife -- he said she was his sister.

She must have been extremely beautiful -- for word quickly reached Pharaoh's house about this woman who was the model of feminine comeliness & beauty!

Although Pharaoh treated Abram well because of Sarah -- his house hold was stricken with serious plagues -- because of her.

Abram's scheme was exposed -- & the leader of Egypt expelled the patriarch & his wife!

Again -- going ahead of the Lord led to serious trouble.

Were it not for the Lord -- Abraham could have died there in Egypt.

His desire to do things his own way backfired -- & he had no choice but to flee to Bethel -- were he had previously erected an altar to the Lord.

Human effort had failed once again! -- It always does!

It is easy to plan & scheme to get our own way.

We plot & design -- stand up for our rights -- but do not please the Lord.

And we usually make enemies in the process.

In fact -- many churches have been split all because of a few people who wanted their own way -- instead of God's way.

3. Abraham Was Stalled By Lot! -- (Genesis 13 & 14)

Families are so wonderful; -- especially when they love one another.

Families provide a feeling of being wanted -- & a sense of security.

However -- there are times when families hold us back.

Many quality missionary-type people have been hindered from serving the Lord by their families. --This is exactly what happened to Abraham.

He was stalled -- & kept from doing the perfect will of God -- because of the hindrance of his nephew Lot -- & the rest of the family.

Lot became a stumbling block to God's work in Abraham's heart!

God had richly blessed Abraham -- & he became a very wealthy man.

Lot too had been blessed abundantly by the Lord in a material way.

But the land could not support both Abraham & Lot with all their flocks & herds living so close together.

There were too many animals for the available pastureland (13:6).

It is amazing how God works!

If you look back at Gen. 12:1 -- you will discover that God had told Abraham to -- "leave your country, your relatives, & your father's house -- & go to the land that I will show you." (NLT).

Abram had not separated from his family - as the Lord had commanded.

So the Lord again took care of the problem!

He blessed both Abraham & Lot so greatly that they had to separate themselves because of strife that developed between their respective herdsmen. (cf. Gen. 13:7). -- An argument broke out between Abraham's shepherds & Lot's shepherds.

Abram graciously suggested to Lot that they try to remedy the situation.

In 13:9 -- Abram said to Lot -- "I'll tell you what we'll do. -- Take your choice of any section of the land you want -- & we will separate. -- If you want that area over there -- then I'll stay here. -- If you want to stay in this area -- then I'll move on to another place” (NLT).

Take what you want, Lot! -- That was Abram's offer!

Look around, Lot; -- isn't there plenty of land out there? -- Let's separate

If you go left, I’ll go right; -- if you go right, I’ll go left.

What an unselfish attitude on Abraham's part; -- a real servant attitude!

Lot -- on the other hand -- selfishly chose the fertile plain of Jordan Valley -- which was beautiful & lush.

But, sad to say -- Sodom & Gomorrah were there -- & in time Lot & his family were pulled into a compromising position -- to say the least.

They grew closer & closer to Sodom's wickedness.

Abram rescued Lot once -- but in the end -- before God destroyed that wicked city -- only Lot & two of his daughters were spared.

Abram had not left his relatives behind in Ur as the Lord had commanded

He did it his way! -- He dragged them along!

Instead of doing what the Lord had commanded -- he did it his way!

But his way led to the spiritual downfall of his relatives -- & it led to their destruction at Sodom. -- It even cost Lot his wife!

My friends -- if our plans are not in the will of God -- no matter how good they may seem -- they will cause heart-ache -- despair -- & even spiritual destruction!

How differently it might have been if Abraham had fully obeyed God -- & left his kindred behind in Ur.

We must learn to be totally -- completely obedient to the Lord!

Experiencing God's blessing requires obedience -- as well as faith!

4. Abraham Sought A Son! -- (Genesis 15 & 16)

Children! -- They can be a blessing from God!

They can also cause all kinds of problems, heartaches, worry & concern.

Most couples desire children -- & some go to great lengths & expense to either bear a child naturally -- or adopt one.

The Word of God says -- "Be fruitful & multiply; -- bring forth abundantly in the earth -- & multiply therein” (Gen. 9:7).

It has been suggested that this is the only commandment in the Bible which has been fully kept; -- & that abundantly!

Abraham wanted an heir -- a son.

He felt so strongly about it that he said -- "O Lord God -- what use are your gifts as long as I'm childless -- & Eliezer of Damascus is going to inherit everything?"

Abraham continued: -- "See, you’ve given me no children -- & now a mere house servant is going to get it all." (Gen. 15:2-3 -- The Message)

Then the Lord said to him, “No, your servant will not be your heir -- for you will have a son of your own to inherit everything I am giving you" (15:4)

So God promised Abraham that he would have a child naturally!

But Abraham was getting old -- & his wife, Sarah, was barren.

Again -- Abraham couldn't wait! -- "I've got a plan. -- I'll do it my way."

Sarah made the suggestion.

Why not take Hagar -- her maid -- & have a child by her.

And being anxious for an heir -- Abraham refused to wait upon the Lord's timing -- & instead followed the foolish advice of his wife!

As the result of this unblessed union -- a child, Ishmael -- was born.

This one was not to be the child of God's promise -- although Ishmael was certainly a legitimate heir.

Abraham had again took the matter into his own hands -- & did it his own way -- only to cause problems -- major problems, -- problems that still plague his descendants to this very day -- nearly 4000 years later!

All the fighting between the Jews & the Arabs -- (who are cousins) -- is a result of Abraham -- doing it his way!

If only Abraham had waited upon God's timing!

For finally -- when Abraham was 99 -- & Sarah had reached the ripe old age of 90 -- & after Abraham had tried it his way -- God gave them a natural -- miracle son -- Isaac!

The Lord made them wait many years -- but God finally came through.

God always keeps His promises!

But by doing it "my way" -- Abraham caused a lot of grief -- for his family -- for Hagar & her son, Ishmael -- & in fact, for the whole world!

Conclusion: -- The Bible truly shows us our weakness!

Abraham was a man of great faith! -- "Abraham believed the Lord, -- & the Lord declared him righteous because of his faith" (15:6 NLT).

The hall of heroes of the faith -- in Hebrews 11 -- gives Abraham high honors -- as it speaks of his faith.

Abraham is near the top of the list of men & women of faith in the Bible.

But -- like us -- he too had weaknesses & flaws!

We would do well to note the weaknesses of this great Bible character.

It is so easy to get caught in the same trap of rushing into things -- & doing them our own way -- in our own strength.

Oh, may we learn from Abraham -- as well as others -- to wait on the Lord; -- for His way & His timing!

We would save ourselves many headaches & heartaches!

After all -- God's way is best! -- Always!

Lest you feel that I am being too critical of Abraham -- I remind you that Abraham's faith & dependence on the Lord continued to grow!

He learned to trust the Lord so much through the experiences of his life -- that when he was commanded by God to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice -- he was willing to do so -- believing that God would raise the lad from the dead!

The normal process of life teaches us to do things our own way -- but when we do -- it is never long before we get into serious trouble.

As the Lord works in our lives -- we should, like Abraham -- realize that our way does not work!

As you & I mature in faith -- the Lord will change us by His Spirit!

As we grow in Christ-likeness -- we will come to the place we can say as Jesus did: -- "nevertheless -- not my will, but thine, be done" (Lk 22:42).

Meanwhile -- the Psalmist say: -- "He leadeth me in paths of righteousness -- for his name sake" (23:3).

God isn't behind us -- yelling ‘Go!' -- He is ahead of us -- bidding ‘come!'

He is in front -- clearing the path -- cutting the brush -- showing the way.

Are you willing to trust Him & obey Him -- & follow Him faithfully?

Which shall it be for you? -- God's way -- or your way?

If our plans are not in the will of God -- no matter how good they may seem -- they will cause heartache -- despair -- & even spiritual destruction

So let's learn to trust & obey!