God called Abraham to move, but didn’t tell him where he was going and Abraham went! How many of us would be willing to go without knowing where we are going? Most people go look the area over to see if it is a place they would want to live. Then we look for a home we will be happy and comfortable in. We check out the schools for our children, check out the stores and available activities available before we move some place. Not Abraham. He packed up his home and family and set off, not knowing where God was going to lead him. Abraham had a close relationship with God and obeyed Him. Abraham was as human as the rest of us. We are just as capable of a close relationship with God and to be obedient.
Abraham’s willingness to go into the unknown shows an ability to not worry about the future. Is it possible that he looked forward, in anticipation to the future, rather than with fear and dread? I know a lot of people who wouldn’t even consider moving to a new town, or even a new house. They want the safety that comes with familiarity. Some people like to live in the past. They are always thinking and talking of things in the past. Those people are looking for safety in the known. They know the past. They know how it turned out, so there is nothing to be afraid of. It’s the unknown of the future that frightens them. God doesn’t want us living in the past or hunkering down in the familiar things of life. We don’t grow unless we face life, like a child, with anticipation of what is to come, trusting our Heavenly Father to take care of us. Jesus promised us God will take care of us and meet our needs. We just tend to get needs and wants a bit mixed up in our minds.
Luke 12:22-25 Then Jesus said to the disciples, "And so I tell you not to worry about the food you need to stay alive or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is much more important than food, and the body much more important than clothes. Look at the crows: they don't plant seeds or gather a harvest; they don't have storage rooms or barns; God feeds them! You are worth so much more than birds! Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?
Psalm 37:5 Give yourself to the LORD; trust in him, and he will help you;
Trust Him with yourself. He wants only the best for you. He also wants you ready to live in Heaven with Him. Sometimes we have to go through difficulties in our lives to help us grow. Our trials on this earth are just growing pains to help us mature and grow for an eternal life with our Lord. When we get to Heaven and look back over all we’ve been through, and look at what is ahead for us with our Lord, we’ll be able to say, “It seemed awful at the time, but God was there the whole time and carried us through it. Those difficulties didn’t last forever and we are now able to see our Lord face to face forever.”
Jesus knew the pain and suffering we would face. He knew it would seem overwhelming to us so He gave us a promise to use. A promise to carry those trials for us and help us find rest through them.
Matthew 11:28 Come to me, all you who are troubled and weighted down with care, and I will give you rest.
Stop trusting in yourself and your own devices. Throw yourself and your cares into the hands of God and let Him take care of you. Trust Him enough to respond when He calls you to get out of the safe and familiar and move forward in life. Face life with an eager anticipation.