1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country 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.” 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. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan.

Abram (Abraham as we would later know him) is told by The Lord to take his family from the place they were living and begin on a journey with no idea of their destination. In other words God was calling him to obey into the unknown. God wanted Abram to go; and despite not knowing where he was going, Abram picked up and left as God had told him.

There are two things are going on here:

  • Abram went. Although he didn’t know the outcome, he obeyed The Lord without knowing why he was asked to go. He trusted in God’s sovereignty and God’s call. He simply did as the Lord said.
  • Abram didn’t make any excuses. He didn’t let his old age or the unknown hinder his obedience to God. Abram made no excuses for following The Lord.

Discussion: What are some reasons Abram would risk his family & well-being by going into the unknown?

Talking points: Abram saw obedience to God as more necessary than his comfort. Abram trusted that God knew best for his life. Abram knew that since God was calling him to go, God would also be with Him through his journey. Abram trusted in God sovereign plan.

Discussion: What excuses often get in the way of your obedience to Jesus?

Abram was only beginning on a phenomenal journey that God had for his life. His journey would impact literally millions of people (Jews, Christians, & Muslims all trace their lineage back to him). Although Abram didn’t know the impact of his obedience , he simply trusted God’s promise.

Application: Will you begin praying that God would use your life for His glory? Begin praying that He will give you faith to trust in His plan for your life.

Parents: Help your kids begin to see that God has a plan for their life. We rarely know every step, or even the next step of His divine plan; but helping them see that trusting God through every step of their journey is what He’s calling them to do.

Verses for your day. Proverbs 16:3 – Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.