Genesis 12:1-3
“The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go 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 people on earth will be blessed through you.’” Genesis 12:1-3 (NIV)
When you receive a call on your phone that says “Unknown Caller,” what do you usually do? Do you sigh, roll your eyes, and mutter to yourself – “spam again?” Abram didn’t recognize God’s voice; in fact, it was a voice he had never heard before. Yet, he answered the call. What might have happened if he had muttered “spam again” and ignored God’s call? Obviously, our all-knowing God knew he would answer.
Listening to an unknown voice was just the first of many unknowns for Abram. At 75 years old, God requested him to move to an unknown land with his newly pregnant wife, Sarah. Can you imagine Abram’s reaction at receiving a request like that and being told you will be the Father of many nations and be blessed for generations. Most people today, including me, would have been highly skeptical and dismissive, but Abram trusted God and did what he was told.
God comes to us today in unexpected places, at unexpected times and in unexpected ways. Have you looked back at something that happened in your life and said to yourself, ”that was such a God thing!” Or maybe the right person comes into your life at the exact time for a very specific reason. Adam Hamilton classifies these as God-incidents, and goes on the say,”I try to listen to the whisper of the Spirit. When I am paying attention, I often find myself in the midst of meaningful situations where God is at work.” Squire Rushnell, author of “When God Winks,” calls these “God Winks.” As humans, clarity is often only seen in hindsight.
God is a forever God and continuously acts in our lives. God comes to us, just as he came to Abram. We will not be the founder of three major religions, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, but God has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives.
I was listening to a podcast on Genesis 12 called “God’s Promise, Your Purpose,” and it said, “in order to partnership with God, we must be ready, and that means making oneself available for Him and to Him.” God’s plan for Abram unfolded before his eyes. God’s plan for us may be big, or it may come in small steps. Abram trusted God’s calling. Are you ready to respond when you feel God’s nudge?
Questions for Reflection:
- Are you paying attention? Are you open and receptive to God’s call for you?
- Do you believe the promises given to Abram teach us about God and his plan for salvation?
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the lesson of faith that we can learn from Abram-who believed you without knowing the whole story. May we have this same trust without knowing the end of our story. Open our hearts to recognize the God-incidents you send to us. In your name we pray, Amen
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