“The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.” Genesis‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In Chapter 12 of Genesis, God told Abram to go from his home country and his father’s house to another place. This land was to be for Abraham and his children (and descendants). At the time God made Abraham this promise, it was an instruction and promise given only to Abraham (read Genesis 12:1–3). Though this instruction was meant for Abraham and his wife Sarah, Abraham decided to take Lot along with him as well.

As they both had different paths and assignments, they should have gone separate ways earlier. Because they did not, it caused quarrelling between Abraham and his nephew Lot. It was not until Chapter 13:5–7, after they parted ways, that God could clearly instruct Abraham where to go.

When two people are in the midst of quarrels, bickering, or unaligned paths, it causes distraction, slowed progress, unfocused minds, and unnecessary battles. Once Abraham parted from Lot, God could further instruct him, and Abram, with peace of mind, could now hear God clearly (read Genesis 13:14–17).

Sometimes, when we don’t separate from people, we cannot fulfil God’s plan for our lives. It may be hard, and you may feel as though you have an obligation to them, whether they are family, friends or other. However, this does not mean they are part of your path. Obeying God’s instructions is always better than suffering later down the line. It may hurt for a while, but if it is stopping or halting progress in our lives, then it is not worth it.

If you are struggling with separation then pray this prayer I prayed during a time when God was leading me to the next phase in my life: 

Lord, there are times in life when I have clouded judgment and am not able to make the right decisions or hear what You want to tell me. This may be because of the company I keep, but today I ask that You help me to separate from things or people that do not align with Your sovereign will. May I draw near to You so that I may hear Your voice. I pray against any distractions or things causing me to turn away from You. May You keep me and guide me according to Your Word.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.