FREE TO BEGIN AGAIN (Day 2)
Read : Genesis 12: 1-9
Remember : "Sometimes it takes being stripped of what is familiar, giving everything up, to be reminded of who we truly are." Rebekah Lyons
Reflect: The Lord said to Abram, " Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1).
Can you imagine what Abraham thought when he heard this direction being given to him from God? To leave his country, his people, his house - and at 75 years old! God promised to bless Abraham and make him great with the condition he would change any life plans he had and do exactly what God wanted him to do. Abraham obeyed, walking away from the familiar for God's promise of even greater blessings in the future.
What about us? What if God is trying to lead us to a place of greater service and usefulness for Him? Will we let the comfort of the "familiar" get in the way? Are we willing to let go of the things that hold us captive? Are we wiling to let go of behaviors and relationships in order to get to the promised land? Sometimes, even when God calls, we choose the safe and comfortable over the fear of the unknown. It's important to note we don't want to let the comfort and security of our present positions make us miss what God has for us. The good news is that He DOES have a plan. It most likely won't come without growing pains but, I have been reminded time and time again, His plan is ALWAYS better than ANY plan I can come up with on my own.
What if Abraham said , "No thank you. Things are working here just fine - besides the fact I'm old. I've decided not to make that trip". WOW- Talk about life changing!!! This is a good way to remember our actions today can influence generations to come ; a sobering thought. I pray we, like Abraham, choose obedience and surrender of our agendas to follow the One who is leading us and future generations to the promised land.
Rest: Sometimes God strips away the familiar and sometimes the familiar is stripped away. It can be painful either way. Today, reflect on a time when God called you to give something up. Hopefully , you'll be able to remember discomfort that created space to depend more fully on Jesus. God planned and ordained that Abraham would be the father of many nations. But, first He called him to give up his own agenda with no guarantees. It had to be Uncomfortable. Today, would you consider writing about that experience either in your journal or under this post which will offer encouragement to your Soul Sisters?
Heavenly Father, we acknowledge You know what is best 100 percent of the time. "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose" ( Romans 8:28). We thank You Lord, that You have called us. We ask that You equip us for each specific call. We surrender our will to You and ask You show us the way to the promised land. We admit we are fearful of the unknown and ask for Your comfort along the journey. May we be a light in the darkness and serve You with willing, obedient hearts. Amen.
