Abram was living comfortably in Haran, surrounded by his family and all that was familiar.
One day, God speaks to him with a startling command: “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” Genesis 12:1
This moment marks the beginning of Abram’s path to becoming Abraham, a journey filled with lessons about finding and following God’s vision for our lives.
Let’s explore these lessons, anchored in Scripture, to understand how we, too, can discern God’s will in our lives.
1. Hearing God’s Word: The Foundation of Finding His Will
“Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee” Genesis 12:1
The journey begins with listening to God’s word. Abraham’s story reminds us that discerning God’s will starts with hearing and studying His word. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” 2 Timothy 2:15
Understanding the word of God isn’t just about reading; it’s about deep study and reflection. This depth of engagement with Scripture is what transforms our reading into a roadmap for life, guiding us towards God’s will.
Abraham had to hear God clearly to know what to do next.
2. Stepping Out in Faith: Embracing the Unknown
“So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him” Genesis 12:4a
Abraham’s obedience to leave his country without knowing his destination teaches us about trust. This mirrors Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
It’s a call to trust in God’s plan, even when the path isn’t clear, believing that He will provide and guide us along the way.
3. Complete Obedience: The Path to Divine Direction
“And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan” Genesis 12:5
Although Abraham took Lot with him, which was not part of God’s initial instruction, this decision later led to challenges.
It wasn’t until Abraham fully obeyed God’s command to separate from Lot that God revealed to him the fullness of His promise.
“And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward.” Genesis 13:14
This teaches us that complete obedience to God’s commands is essential to fully grasp His vision for us. Just as Abraham’s complete separation from Lot was necessary for him to receive God’s full promise, we too must be willing to do the hard things, to let go of what might be holding us back, to fully embrace what God has in store for us.
Abraham’s journey in Genesis 12, is a powerful example of how to find and follow God’s vision for our lives. It underscores the necessity of not just hearing, but deeply studying God’s word; stepping out in faith, even when the destination is unclear; and the importance of full obedience to experience the entirety of God’s blessings and plans.
As we apply these lessons to our own lives, we can find ourselves walking more closely with God, discerning His will, and living out the vision He has uniquely designed for each of us. Like Abraham, we are called to embark on our own journeys of faith, trusting in God’s promises and guidance every step of the way.
