My husband and I were having one of our morning coffee conversations when he shared something that left him unsettled. He had been reading in Genesis about Abraham and Isaac—how both of them lied to King Abimelech, each claiming their wife was their sister out of fear. And then, after Sarah died, Abraham took more wives and concubines (Genesis 25:1–6).
It made us pause.
How could someone like that be chosen by God?
It’s a question many of us have asked. We read these stories and wonder: why would God use someone so obviously flawed to carry out something so holy?
Abraham—the father of our faith—wasn’t flawless. He came from a family of idol makers (Joshua 24:2). He made mistakes. He doubted God’s promises. He lied out of fear. And yet, God chose him.
Their failures show that even those chosen by God are flawed. This is not an endorsement of their behavior—it’s a reflection point. A reminder that God works through real, messy people to accomplish His perfect will. If anything, their shortcomings highlight just how incredible God’s grace and patience really are.
God called Abraham to go—to leave his home, his comfort, and everything familiar. Not because Abraham had proven himself, but because God wanted to set him apart. He was inviting Abraham into something deeper: relationship.
God didn’t give Abraham or his descendants a permanent home right away. First, He gave them Himself. He built trust. He formed them in the wilderness. He wanted a people who would belong to Him—not just physically, but relationally. He said, “You will be My people, and I will be your God.”
And that same invitation is still open to us.
Jesus echoed it in Matthew 16:24:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me.”
Following Jesus means handing Him the keys. Letting go of our own lordship and learning to trust Him instead. It’s not always comfortable, but it is always worth it.
Like Abraham, we are a people on a journey. The promised land is still ahead—eternity with Christ. But the path begins now. Every time we say, “Not my way, Lord, but Yours,” we take a step closer. Every time we trust Him over our fears, we walk more fully in His plan.
This is the thread that runs through the entire biblical story—relationship, belonging, discipleship.
So don’t disqualify yourself because of your past, your fear, or your flaws. God doesn’t. He didn’t with Abraham. He doesn’t with you.
He says, Go.
And He walks with you every step of the way.
Today’s Step:
Open your heart to God’s call again.
Are there places where you’re still trying to lead your own life? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you. Then, take one small but courageous step of surrender today. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if it means letting go of what feels familiar.
God isn’t looking for perfection—He’s looking for your “yes.”
Let’s Pray:
Father, thank You for calling us—even in our brokenness. Thank You for the reminder that You’ve always used imperfect people to accomplish Your perfect will. I want to walk with You like Abraham did, even when I don’t see the whole path ahead. Help me to lay down my own plans, my own control, and follow where You lead. Teach me what it means to belong to You, to trust You, and to go wherever You send.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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1 thought on “I Choose Today to Follow—Flaws and All”
I love the aha moment you point out that choosing Abraham was not about his perfection or worthiness, but about God’s grace and mercy being seen though their relationship. Critics want to discount the Bible because of what looks like inconsistencies in God‘s character when he speaks of being holy as he is holy, but choosing unholy people. But they miss that it’s only through the Lord that we find that holiness. He came to redeem Abraham and Abraham was willing so that God could then redeem the rest of us too. That’s an amazing thought. Thank you, my friend!