Drive away the Vultures

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“And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away.” 

Genesis 15:11

One of the greatest men in the Old Testament is Abram, or as we more commonly know him, Abraham.  In the Genesis 15, God was making a covenant with Abram and instructed him to present sacrifices before the Lord.  Abram did as he was told and cut the sacrifices in two, and placed each piece opposite each other.  As soon as he did this, the Bible tells us an interesting fact – vultures appeared on the scene.

Vultures are a scavenging type of bird that loves to feast on carcasses of dead animals. They are constantly looking for their next meal.  It is interesting to observe that it was a “group” of vultures that came toward Abram’s sacrifice, not just one.

As we continue to follow Christ and pursue our God-given destiny, you can expect certain types of vultures to try to hinder your sacrifices and commitments to Him.  These vultures have one thing in mind:  consume the sacrifice.  Abram took action and guarded what he was giving to God by driving away the vultures.  We also must drive away three types of vultures that try to plague our lives and eat away at our obedience:

Vultures of Insecurity.  By saying insecurity, I am not talking about an overnight blemish on your face or the coffee stain on your shirt.  I am talking about our struggles with our weaknesses that states “I am not ____ enough.”  You fill in the blank.  Educated.  Rich.  Good.  We could go on.  Moses didn’t feel he was eloquent enough to speak on behalf of God.  Jeremiah thought he was too young.  Insecurities, if not driven away, will hold us back from fulfilling God’s purpose in our life.

When we pick our insecurities over God’s purpose, we are telling God that our weakness is greater than His strength.  Your insecurity to be used by God is an insult to Him.

Here is the good news:  God is willing to develop us into the role He wants us to play.  He told Moses He would teach him what he would say.  He told Jeremiah to not be afraid and not to look at his age.  God does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called.  Be encouraged – it is your weakness that has qualified you to be used by God.

Vultures of Contamination.   Vultures, as they feast on dead carcasses, collect harmful bacteria on their beaks and bodies.  Soon, they become carriers of bacteria and transport harmful pollutants to other places.  These vultures can appear in the form of people, places, or things.  They come to contaminate your heart, pollute your spirit, and distort your vision in life.

In Judges, Samson allowed a “vulture” by the name of Delilah to find out his source of strength.  He allowed her to come contaminate his consecration to God.  Do not allow negative people, gossip, or even negativity to rest in your life.  They bring pollution and unnecessary contamination; thus, causing you to deal with the things that could be potentially harmful to your life.  Protect your vision, marriage, and ministry.

Vultures of Procrastination.  This last vulture states “You can do it later.”  I believe that lots of people are not being delayed by the enemy, but by their own procrastination.  I have often said there is a difference between procrastinating and waiting on God.

Waiting on God says “Lord, I have done everything possible within my ability.  Now, it’s up to you to move on my behalf.”  Procrastination, on the other hand, states “Lord, you do everything while I delay in doing my part.”

The problem is not getting the blueprint, but in completing the building of the house.  Some people are putting off the things God has told them to do.  If you have the faith to believe that you will have the same opportunity to do it later, then why don’t you have the faith to believe that you can do it now?  You must seize the opportunity of a lifetime in the lifetime of the opportunity.  Later may never come.  Do what God has called you to do.