By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8
Have you ever felt as though you have had a calling on your life, but not sure how to execute it?
Have you been standing still because you cannot fathom how it will all work out?
Do the questions of the unknown paralyze you?
I think about Abraham. He too must have felt that desperation when God called him to “go”. (Genesis 12)
The conversation may have went something like this:
God: Go.
Abraham: Go where?
God: Away from everything you have ever known to a new land I will give you.
Abraham: I have no idea how to get there.
God: I will show you.
So Abraham had a choice: To walk in obedience or to stand in disobedience.
Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter. In it we gain a deeper understanding for what Abraham did as he took the first step. It says that he:
obeyed…
went…
lived in tents as a stranger in a foreign land…
trusted in God to fulfill what He had called him to do….
EVEN THOUGH!
Even though he did not know where he was going.
Even though it did not make sense.
Even though he would never see the full picture.
Even though he “did not receive the things promised; (he) only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.” (Hebrews 11:13)
So what has God called you to do? How have you responded?
Are you willing to take that first step of obedience…even though?
Are you will to feel out-of-place in uncharted territory…even though?
Are you willing to trust God to fulfill His purpose in you…even though?
Your obedience sets into motion the fulfillment. But, like the heroes of faith, you may not see the fulfillment. “…none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)
So…EVEN THOUGH…are you going to step out in faith? Your work is a part of a grand scheme. Are you going to join in the effort? It is, after all, your purpose. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10) He created you with a specific plan.
His plan is not that you experience a life of great adventure for your own enjoyment. It is that you experience a life in His hand for His glorification. Whether it be seasons of mundane routine (diaper after diaper) or it be a whirlwind adventure of worldwide travel or both, your obedience to do what He called you to do is about so much more than you! It is
…. so that God be glorified.
…so that you can reflect on the path and testify to His sustaining power.
…so that others can peer into your life and KNOW that God is!
…so that those around you will see Christ through you and be redeemed.
I love you, dear sister. Do not be afraid of the journey. He is just waiting for you to help show the world His love. Take the first step. The journey is the thing!
Because my audience has changed since my time over at Mosaic of Moms, I decided to repost some of my favorite devotional pieces I wrote for that project. This article was originally published on Mosaic of Moms on September 3, 2012.
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Such a powerful, beautifully written post. Thank you. I love this truth: “His plan is not that you experience a life of great adventure for your own enjoyment. It is that you experience a life in His hand for His glorification. ” Great work!
Oh Thank You, Karen! Can’t wait to drop by your site. I love the concept of manna and God’s provision. The stories I could share! Blessings!
Needed this today 🙂 I love your blog! Thank you!
Jamie,
Thank you so much for always stopping by! Readers like you make it worth it!
Jennifer
Very powerful gift you gave us here with the reminder of the impact of just two words. As I read the beginning sentences I thought it was a post about me and what I needed to do, but your conclusion was right on with what God would have me to remember-it’s all about Him! Thanks for being His tool to remind me of His truth.
Oh, Pat! Thank you for your encouraging words.
Jennifer
Often I think, “of course I would step out in faith! I’m just waiting for God to tell me to go.” And then, I realize that every time I doubt my gifts and talents, every time I think I don’t know what God has in store for me, I wonder if that’s a way of saying I’m not enough… Thank you for this encouragement and thought-provoking post!
I think that may be true, Annie. Think about Moses. He totally did the same thing. 🙂
Such great encouragement here, Jen! Thanks so much. Hebrews 11 is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible .. so challenging and inspiring. May you continue to lean on Him in obedience even though you may not see the end of the road!
Thank you, Kate!
this is seriously relevant in several areas of my life. so humbling to stand in awe, palms open waiting on Him instead of relying on myself. thank you
Teresa,
So honored to be used to encourage you!
Jennifer
I mean this is an exact reiteration of a lesson I just finished preparing for a women’s ministry event! Your words were His confirmation for that upcoming teaching! Thanks for sharing!
So humbling to be used by the Father! Thank you for the encouragement. Blessings as you teach at this event! Let me know how it goes.
Jennifer
Thanks for the encouragement, Jennifer! I love that we can start with HIs plan anywhere, anytime. Even though we think we can’t. It takes away the excuses, the hurdles and the lack of confidence we have in Him. Love this piece!
Your welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
Such a good reminder. Following even though. It’s not easy. But always worth it.
So true, Rachel.
I love your “even though” questions. So good for making me think about how I’m going to respond to the things God’s putting on my heart. I really enjoyed this post!
Jeanne,
Thank you so much for the encouragement. 🙂
Yes I want to always step out in faith. I want to do what God asks, even if it is scary.
Sarah,
It can be scary can’t it? Thanks for stopping by!
Jennifer
Thank you for this exhortation. We had a rough week, and I was about done in. But I can keep stepping up to what is in front of me…even though…(Grace Writer!)
Kelley,
Wonderful! So humbling that God can use my words to encourage!
Always words I need to hear! Thank you for the encouraging reminder. (From a grace writers community group friend – I like your blog!!)
Thank you for stopping by, Hannah. Thankful for the grace writers and am excited to get to know you all!
Thank you so much for linking up with Coffee for Your Heart! I’m so grateful for your words. XO
Holley, thank you for dropping by! Love the community of bloggers that link up on coffee for your heart! They encourage me deeply! Thanks for hosting!