HomeWord - February 27, 2015

 Knowing Where You're Headed But Not Where You're Going

This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)

There have been times (too many according to my wife, Jenny!) when we have decided to go out for dinner, hopped into the car and started driving around looking for a place to eat. An hour later—we’re still driving, still looking. I know where I’m headed (dinner) but not where I’m going.

We don’t do the “dinner wandering” trips much anymore as Jenny has learned over the years to require me to decide where we’re going before we leave the house. But as I reflect on it, the idea of knowing where I’m headed but not where I’m going does remind me of the journey of the Christ-follower.

When we respond to Christ by faith, we begin a lifelong journey. We are called to follow Him. But, life’s circumstances and experiences are always changing and detours along the way are a routine occurrence. So, we face our journey one day at a time, trusting that we know where we’re headed (Christ-likeness, heaven, etc.) even when we can’t clearly see where we’re going. Faith makes this journey both possible and worthwhile.

Abraham’s life story, found in the Old Testament book of Genesis, is comforting to me because he modeled this journey of faith – that in one way or another – God is calling all of us to. God called Abraham to leave his home and everything familiar to go to a land and people he did not know. He knew where he was headed even though he didn’t know where he was going. His life was a journey filled with ups and downs, wise and poor decisions, victories and failures. Yet, in the end, the Scriptures state, “Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.”

Today, you may feel that you are wandering. You might not have any idea where you are going in life. Be obedient. Keep following Christ. Take comfort in the fact that God holds both you and this day. In His hands, you are safe. 

GOING DEEPER:

1. How can uncertainty about your future actually help build your relationship with God?

2. According to the Scriptures, we are merely aliens and strangers in this world. How should this knowledge make a difference in how you live your life?

FURTHER READING:

1 Peter 2:11; Philippians 3:20; Romans 4; Hebrews 11

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