Probationary Time

And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and, lo, an horror of great darkness fell upon him. And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance.
And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. Genesis 15:12-16

Steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12

God can see the future. He is the only One who knows what will happen and He has made arrangements to deal with all things. He tells His Friend Abram that His descendents will be in captivity for 400 years. He tells Abram that his descendents will come out of Egypt with great substance. He also tells Abram to be careful of the Amorites for their probationary time is not yet full because they have not turned totally evil like the people before the flood. God will do everything He can to save everyone, and yet preserve their ability to freely choose to obey, or disobey – because He loves them.

Prayer for Today: God, thank You for Your patience with us. We have practiced iniquity and we are thankful that You have not forgotten us as we often forget you. Teach us that we need Your presence and Your guidance. Thank You for Your mercies.