The Call into the Unknown
Do you remember Abraham from The Bible? What comes to your mind? My mind recalls an elderly, childless man gazing at the stars as God explains he will have more children than the stars to be counted.
To be honest, I didn’t really understand the dynamics of Abraham and his wife, Sarah’s story. Sure, it was miraculous how the geriatric couple gave birth to a baby, but my heart didn’t register with the story beyond that point. Who was Abraham before that big encounter?
Recently, I revisited this story in a study group. Determined to understand it more, I dug in. God amazed me,once again, with His living active Word and led me to a new perspective on this story.
Turns out Abraham, who was known as Abram at this time, lived in Ur. It’s pronounced “errrrrr.” Pretend you’re trying to say “hehlerrrr,” to your buddy then drop the “heh.”
The region “Ur,” was a thriving area providing Abraham with food, livestock and close proximity to their family. Ur was a comfortable place for Abraham to build his life. Genesis 12 reveals God emerging onto the scene with a commandment, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
The last seven words in that scripture struck me, “To the land I will show you?” Abraham did not even get the memo on where he was going! Just a clear calling to leave his current place and go. Abraham was being called to activate his faith in God.
Imagine your heart feeling as if God was calling you out of your comfort zone; then picture God speaking clearly to you and confirming your heart’s inclination. Would logical reasoning take over or would your faith in who God is take root as you made the decision?
These must have been some of Abraham’s feelings. He knew deep within his heart God was His provider, but how and where would this plan play out? Sometimes we as believers experience similar emotions. Our hearts know God is the provider of all things, but our minds become entangled with doubt when our eyes cannot see the plan.
We watch as Abraham embodies courage and says ‘yes’ to God’s command. Genesis 12:4 states, “So Abram went, as the Lord had told him to.” His comfort and his own plans for life were laid down as he chose to follow God’s call into the unknown.
Abraham’s journey is a representation of God-given courage and human doubt.
But remember, Abraham had a choice. He chose to follow God’s command. Sometimes we as Christians, and even non-believers, think God should pave a yellow brick road to our desires in life. But God calls us to come alongside Him on a journey where He paves the way.
Consider our own call onto an unknown path right now. The year 2020 stripped us of our comfort. We let go of many pleasures and shifted into a new era. Masks, restrictions, and uncertainty left us feeling ragged. But, if we look back at the year 2020, we might agree it dropped us on our knees. Digging deep to find faith and courage, we walked forward reminding our minds of the certainty of The God we follow.
Say ‘yes’ to His calling, whether large or small. Perhaps He is asking you to trust Him with the uncertainty of a situation or maybe He is tugging at you to read His Word more often. Let the promises in scripture etch into your mind and replace human doubt. Be an ‘Abraham’ and say yes to God’s plan wherever He leads you, after all He’s the one paving the road...
