It's difficult to see why God sometimes doesn't make things happen right where we're planted. We might have our life worked out: a career on the fast-track, a new home, good schools for the kids. And then God changes the game plan. Abram may well have wondered about God's instructions to him. His father, Terah, had intended to move to Canaan but never made it that far. When he got to Haran, he settled there instead. Abram lived long enough in Haran to make himself at home. His business ventures had prospered, and he had become "very wealthy" (Genesis 13:2). Living the life of a desert sheik and already 75 years old, Abram wasn't the most likely person to go looking for new adventures. Abram and his wife, Sarai, were also childless. In spite of their prosperity, their future looked bleak with no descendants. Then God showed up and told Abram to go to the land God would show him. Abram wasn't being called to retire in a villa on the Mediterranean. He was called to a faith journey that was part of God's plan to gather his people. Abram obeyed, and he was blessed in ways he never imagined. God's faith journey for you may lead in directions you think are impossible or unreasonable. But in your obedience God will also bless you and others around you.
Lord, just when we have life all figured out, you shake us up with something new. Overcome our hesitation. Help us trust in your wisdom on the journey you give us. Amen.
About the author — Bob Heerspink
Dr. Robert Heerspink was director of Back to God Ministries International from 2006 until 2011, when he passed away. He had previously pastored several Christian Reformed churches. Bob loved to write and was a frequent contributor to the Today devotional.
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