DEVOTION / Unexpected journey

"The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:1-3 NIV).

Journey to the unknown

How does the idea of traveling into the unknown strike you? To some, it might be a call to adventure! For others, it might seem like their worst nightmare. God often calls his people on "unexpected" journeys. Think of Moses, Noah, Joseph, and Paul—to name a few.

Abram’s “unexpected” journey

In Genesis 12:1, God called Abram to venture into the unknown. Abram was chosen by the Lord to leave his familiar surroundings in Haran and travel an unknown road. It was a journey that God would use to reveal himself and his ways to the world.

Prepared to travel?
Today, most of us wouldn't consider leaving home without our GPS-enabled smartphone. We would want to Google the best route or at least find a paper map for guidance. What Abram traveled with was God's promise. And that was all he needed—because God traveled with him and guided his way.

God’s promises

Genesis 12:2-3 reveal the Lord's promises to make Abram’s children a great nation with a great name (v. 2). He also promised that both Abram and his family would be blessed and that the entire world would be blessed through Abram (v. 3). That was because the Savior would come through Abram’s family. Abram's "unexpected" journey was part of God's eternal plan—not only for Abram and his family but for us as well!

The Lord directs our paths

No matter where we are in the world, God still calls his people on unexpected journeys. What path might the Lord be calling you to take? Imagine our brothers and sisters in China and the challenging road God is calling them to take as they may need to leave home, family, or country for their trust in God's promises. Nonetheless, they—and you—can be sure that the Lord will provide everything needed to make that journey as part of his plan for them and the world.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, you often call us to roads we never expected to travel. Guide and keep us. Reassure us that you walk with us and have called us to be blessings as part of your plan. Provide for us along the way. Lead us home to you. Amen.