By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God’s call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God. Hebrews 12: 8-10 Message I've been searching for a map to navigate the new reality we all find ourselves in. I'm having a hard time recognizing the landscape right now-- my life is so different from just 10 days ago. What does faith look like in a time when nothing looks familiar? I thought that reading the roll call of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 might offer some insights and sure enough, these two verses about Abraham interrupted my search. Faith, it turns out, is an action and Abraham's actions are pretty clearly defined here. Here are 3 things I learned: Abraham said yes. I don't know what God is asking you to do during this time, but I bet it's not what you're usually doing. Maybe you suddenly find yourself homeschooling, or setting up a home office. Maybe meeting a community need with your sewing skills or donating to a food pantry is on your heart. Maybe you just need to spend time playing games with the kiddos. Whatever it is, whatever God has put on your heart, say yes. Just do it. I don't know if Abraham had the option to remain behind or not, but we don't. It's just easier to say yes and get going on our next right thing. He left. And get this-- he had no idea where he was going! He left the comfortable; he left the known for a great unknown. Whew, I feel better now-- Abraham didn't have a map either! But he ended up where God directed him-- in the country promised to him. I think we can trust as we begin to walk through our new reality that as we seek him daily, we will end up in the place God desires. Not everything can be taken on this journey. Anything that weighs you down, needs to be left behind. Some suggestions? Leave judgement behind, or perfectionism, or fear--nothing weighs quite so much as fear. And for this journey, pack lightly--a cheerful heart, willing hands, and maybe a sense of humor will help. And he lived in the country promised him. In a tent! Okay, seriously, how did he talk Sarah into that? But he didn't show up as the landowner, or the conquering hero, he came as a wanderer, a visitor, an immigrant. So sister, if you're not feeling real permanent right now, I think that's all right. You see, we were never meant to feel comfortable in this world. It's not our home. That's what Abraham knew and what the writer of Hebrews reveals at this point. Abraham focused on the eternal promise instead of the place he resided at the moment. That's what faith looks like. And that's how we can flourish in a new environment too-- by keeping our eyes on our own eternal city of promise. Here's what we have that escaped Abraham, our God dwells within us, constantly available to bring comfort and direction. Rest in His presence every single minute. God, may we walk in courage and faith as we find our place in Your Kingdom right now. Peace, Jan
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AuthorLoving words written to increase hope. Archives
May 2020
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