Father Abraham had many sons, many sons had father Abraham.
That’s a Sunday School tune that comes to my mind when I think about Abraham from the Bible. Yes, he had many sons. But you know what else Abraham had? No idea where he was going!
When God called Abram, he was calling him to a future Abram could not see. No directions, no hints, other than the fact that it would be the land that God would show him. Can you imagine God telling you to leave everything you’ve ever known behind to go to some foreign place?
I heard this in a sermon recently: “Faith does not insist on having all the answers before we obey. Faith is serving him even when we don’t have all the answers.” That hit me. How often do we bargain with God, asking him for a sign before we decide to obey?
By faith Abram made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. (Hebrews 11:9-10
Abraham had a future to look forward to, a promise that was beyond anything he could see or imagine. His hope in God shaped his present life. He set his mind on things above with perseverance and faith (Colossians 3:1-3).
We have the benefit that Abraham never had: we can look back at the cross. I’m sure Abraham, Sarah and their descendants would never have guessed that the long-awaited King would be born to one of their descendents or that he would be humiliated on a cross.
I encourage you, friend, to be like Abraham. When you don’t have the answers, may you choose to focus on what is eternal rather than what is temporary. May the Lord renew your mind with what is true, with a renewed gaze at his glory.
Walk by faith when you cannot see. With Christ as your anchor, you will end up where he wants you to be.
Holy Spirit, renew my mind today. I cannot see or know my future, even though I’d love to control it all. It would be easier if you let me see it, but then I would not know true faith in Jesus. Help me, Lord. I know you will lead me the right way. Amen.
Additional Resource: You can listen to the sermon
that inspired this devotional.