Hebrews 11:8 "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.”
Abraham
The story of Abram/Abraham has always intrigued me. This unknown man from the Ur of the Chaldees was called by God to simply follow God’s will and God’s way. This following, though, would require a great deal of faith.
For Abraham, following God would mean leaving many good things behind.
Following God would mean heading out into the great unknown.
Following God would undoubtedly lead to moments of frustration, discouragement, fear. The list could go on and on.
But following God also came with a promise of great reward. In Genesis 12:2-3, God promised much to Abraham, and God always comes through on His promises.
As the story goes, Abraham did follow God. And although he would struggle to faithfully follow Him, again and again God proved Himself faithful.
What about us?
As we move from the Old Testament to the New Testament, and as we move from the life of Abraham to our own, I believe that there are many principles that are worth noting.
Just as God called this unknown man to follow Him, God is still calling unknown people to follow Him. In John 14:6, we read the words of Jesus:
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
First of all, God is calling the lost to follow Jesus for He is the only way to the Father. Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection is the payment that makes God accessible to all who believe. Have you heard the call of God to Salvation?
Secondly, for those who have believed that Jesus is the way, truth, and life, God is calling us to step out in faith and follow Jesus. Just as in Abraham’s life, this may mean leaving many good things behind. This path may be filled with frustration, discouragement, and fear, but this path also comes with a promise of great reward.
Jesus said it best
In conclusion, listen to the words of Jesus:
Matthew 16:24-25 “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
It is clear in scripture that God is still calling the unknowns of this day to follow Him. The question is this: will we, like Abraham, choose to deny ourselves and follow God in simple, faith-filled obedience in every area of our life?
Abraham’s story has been written while our story continues to be recorded, one choice at a time.
Where He leads us, will we follow?