9 January | EVERYONE

GOD CALLS ABRAHAM AND GIVES HIM THE PROMISE

“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.’" Genesis 12: 1,2

One day, I was sewing a rag ball when my father called me. I needed to make that ball urgently, and I ignored him. I got angry; I went on with my work. My father insisted, and I had to reluctantly get up to see what he wanted. When I got in front of him, I saw in his hands a beautiful leather ball. My face lit up with joy, but he said, "I bought it for you, but I shouldn't give it to you because you did not come the first time I called you. Never forget that Daddy is only calling you for your own good."

One hot afternoon thousands of years ago, Abraham heard God’s voice saying to him, "Go to the land that I will show you." The patriarch looked to one side and another on that slowly and wearily passing afternoon and discovered some footprints in the sand. Were they from his sandals? No, because he had just felt his flesh in contact with the dry ground. He knew the voice was God's, though he could not see Him, and he answered promptly, without hesitation even though he was barefoot. He agreed to go to the land the Lord commanded him to go. He did not ask for further explanation. He simply understood that the best place for a child of God is the one to which He leads him.

The land you walk on today is not the best land. Do not get attached to it, even if it makes you feel safe. There are always new and better horizons that God wants to take you to. Life is constant learning, and learning means going out from what is known into the unknown—without fear, despite the risk, and even if you have doubts. God's plans are better than yours, and the place He has prepared for you has not even crossed human thought.

Abraham was seventy-five years old when God called him, and he departed for his glorious destiny. Age is not an obstacle to exercising faith and obeying God.

Take Action

Listen to the Spirit's call to make Jesus known, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone. You will eventually arrive at a better and even more comfortable land: The one God has prepared for His children. Sing "The Call of Abram" (if possible, with your family).