The Call of Faith

Have you ever felt a stirring in your heart, a sense that God is calling you to something greater? The story of Abraham, found in Genesis 12, offers profound insights into what it means to be called by God and the challenges that come with following that call.

At its core, being called by God is not about our own desires or ambitions. It's about trusting in a sovereign Lord who has providential care and authority over our lives. This call often leads us into the great unknown, requiring us to accept faith as our compass.

Consider Abraham (initially named Abram). God called him to leave everything familiar – his country, his family, his father's house – and journey to an unspecified land. Imagine the uncertainty! Yet, this is often how God works in our lives. He doesn't always provide a detailed roadmap; instead, He asks us to trust Him step by step.

But what makes someone "special" enough to be called by God? The surprising answer is: nothing. Abraham wasn't chosen because of his exceptional character or abilities. In fact, at 75 years old, he was still living in his father's house with no children of his own.

This truth is beautifully illustrated in John 15:16, where Jesus says, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide." Our calling is not for our own glory, but for God's. Often, He calls those who seem least qualified in the world's eyes, showcasing His power through our weakness.

When God calls us, He often asks us to do things we feel incapable of accomplishing on our own. For Abraham, it was becoming the father of a great nation – despite his wife Sarah being barren. This impossibility highlights a crucial aspect of God's calling: it's not about our abilities, but about our willingness to rely on Him completely.

Following God's call requires action on our part. It's not passive waiting, but active obedience. Abraham "went, as the Lord had told him." He packed up his family and possessions and started walking. Sometimes, we mistakenly think that if God is calling us, everything will fall into place effortlessly. But God invites us to participate in His plan, to step out in faith and move with Him.

However, answering God's call doesn't guarantee an easy path. Abraham arrived in Canaan only to find it inhabited by potentially hostile people. The land wasn't the lush paradise he might have imagined, but a place with challenges and dangers. How often do we face disappointment when our calling doesn't meet our expectations?

In these moments, we must remember that God's purpose in calling us goes beyond our immediate circumstances. He's shaping our character, teaching us to trust Him more deeply. As Paul reminded Timothy,

 Even in difficult seasons, there's spiritual growth to be found when we keep our eyes on the Lord.

The journey of faith is rarely smooth. Shortly after arriving in Canaan, Abraham faced a severe famine. Fear gripped him, and he made the misguided decision to flee to Egypt – outside of where God had called him to be. In his fear, Abraham even concocted a scheme to pass off his wife as his sister to protect himself.

This part of Abraham's story serves as a sobering reminder that even those called by God can stumble. Fear can drive us to make poor choices, to run from our calling, or to rely on our own schemes rather than trusting God. Yet, even in our failures, God remains faithful. He protected Abraham and Sarah in Egypt and orchestrated their return to Canaan.

What can we learn from Abraham's missteps? First, that running from God's call often leads to greater trouble. Second, that our fears and schemes can hurt not only ourselves but others around us. And third, that God's grace is greater than our failures. He is able to redirect us back to His path, even when we've strayed.

The story of Abraham's calling challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we listening for God's call? Are we willing to step into the unknown, trusting Him even when the path seems unclear or difficult? Are we relying on our own strength and schemes, or are we allowing God to work through our weaknesses?

Remember, if God is truly calling you to something, no opposition will be able to overthrow it. As Gamaliel wisely cautioned the Sanhedrin regarding the early Christian movement,

Your calling might not involve leaving your homeland like Abraham. It could be a call to serve in your local community, to show Christ's love to a difficult family member, to excel with integrity in your workplace, or to support missionaries across the globe. Whatever it may be, know that God's calling is not based on your qualifications, but on His grace and purpose for your life.

As you reflect on Abraham's journey, consider these questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you sense God calling you to step out in faith?
2. How have disappointments or challenges tested your trust in God's calling?
3. Are there ways you've tried to "run" from God's direction for your life?
4. How can you cultivate a heart that's more responsive to God's leading?

May we, like Abraham, have the courage to say "yes" to God's call, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. For in following Him, we discover a life of purpose, growth, and the joy of participating in God's grand narrative of redemption.