An artist's interpretation of Abraham hearing from God.
An artist’s interpretation of Abraham hearing from God.

“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1 NRSV).

There has been much going on in the Jones household in the past few weeks. The biggest change is we moved! Yes, we relocated out of state. I packed up the kiddies, said goodbye to the Washington, DC metropolitan area and said hello to the beautiful sunshine state of South Carolina. For many of the people around me, this move came as a huge shock. However, this is something the Lord has placed on my heart for some time. I’ve just been too scared to step out on faith. After the Lord orchestrated certain events in my life and put people in place to help direct my steps, I finally realized that now was the time to obey what I felt the Lord was telling me.

I’ve only been here a few days, but I am extremely happy. The only thing I miss about the D.C. area is my family and of course my church. But, I love the people here – they are so friendly – and of course I love the warm weather.

My mom helping to pack up my house.
My mom helping to pack up my house.

As a result of these major changes, I’ve been thinking about taking risks for God and stepping out on faith. What does it mean in the life of the believer?

We all know the story of Abraham in Genesis 12 when God tells him to pack up his family and go to a land that God will show him. Abraham didn’t hesitate to harken unto God’s voice. By verse 4, he’s packing his family up and moving! That is amazing faith.

We also know the stories of how Jesus called the disciples. For many of them, Jesus bid them to “Follow me,” and they dropped their nets, their jobs, their homes, left their families and followed Jesus – without hesitation. Since we find stories like these throughout the Bible, why are we so surprised when God requires us to step out on faith and do the same thing? Why are we surprised when God asks us to take a risk for Him?

“But my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back” (Hebrews 10:38 NRSV).

I believe that it’s hard for many of us to take a risk for God and step out on faith because we don’t want to give up our comfort, convenience, those we are connected to like our friends and families and most of all our control. We want to be in control of our life. However, if we are going to follow Christ with our whole hearts and if we’re going to put our hand to the plow, we’re going to have to do what the Lord requires of us. We’re going to have times when we have to walk by faith and not by sight! Remember Hebrews 11:6 (NRSV) says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”

I have a “Type A” personality so it is very difficult for me sometimes to make a move without “crossing every T and dotting every I.” I like to feel some sort of control over my life even though I know we are never really in control. However, I’ve learned that God compels me to take risks on His behalf and to step out on faith to conform me into the image of His Son. Requiring us to walk by faith is how God transforms us and renews our minds. He’s developing us. The good news is that when we follow the Lord regardless of what He requires, we know that it all works together for our good (Romans 8:28).

So, step out on faith. Take a chance! What has the Lord been compelling you to do that you’ve been wrestling with? Release the reigns, and allow God to direct your life. You won’t regret it!

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