New (Unknown) Vs. Familiar
Now the Lord said[a] to Abram, “Go from your country[b] and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[c]
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. (Gen. 12:1-4)
Regard:
Over the years of pastoring, we have moved a dozen or more times. Each move has been different and had its unique challenges but there are several things they all have had in common: each move required we leave what was familiar and go to what was unfamiliar. Each one required addressing final bills in the current location, discontinuing utilities and services, setting up new services for our new home, notifying others of our change of address, sorting, packing, planning for the movers and doing all the activities and tasks that come with moving. Some moves meant our children were changing schools, and we were saying goodbye not only to friends but family. Along the way we discovered moving was not only physically exhausting but emotionally and mentally draining and as much as we felt God was calling and sending us someplace new it was still a mixture of anticipation and nervousness.
At 75 years old Abram was asked to make a change of locations, not just down the hill a few miles, but from one country to another to a place he had never been nor seen. It was a chance to start over in a new place God had chosen for him but it would not be without its challenges and tests. The promises God made to Abram were not going to be fulfilled in the place where he was, in order to experience what God was saying the move was not optional but necessary. Even though God did not give Abram all the details about his future he gave him all that was necessary and Abram obeyed.
There are times what God has planned for us is not going to happen where we are. The move or change may not require we move in the physical sense sometimes it’s another kind of repositioning, another kind of giving up or letting go of something old to experience or receive the new God has for us. While we could choose to stay with what’s familiar over doing or going to what’s new and unfamiliar that choice might keep us from experiencing what God has in store for us. One thing is certain if God asks or leads us to make a move or change he will not only stay with us but go ahead of us and assure whatever he has shown or promised will come to fruition.
Reflect:
What words, phrases, or actions stand out for you in Genesis 12:1-9?
What promises did God make to Abram in this passage?
What kinds of moves has God asked or led you to make in your life? How did you know God was with or leading you? How did you respond?
Why do you think change is still scary even when we are sure God is leading us to do so?
Respond in Thoughtful Prayer
God, what are you saying to me through today’s passage and lesson? Is there something you want me to do? A promise you want to fulfill where a change is necessary? Since you never override our free will help me to not only recognize your leading but become obedient to whatever you tell or show me. Amen
Devotionally Yours 