8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
I love the nursery song, “Going on a lion hunt.” The song leader encourages the class to put on their hats, put on their jackets and take their guns. But as they tromp along with their feet, they meet tall grass. “Can’t go over it, can’t go under it, can’t go around it so guess we’ll have to go through.” Swish, swish as the leader pretends to part grass and wade through. Next they meet a river. Finally they come to the cave that is scary and causes retreat. Often life feels like we are on a journey to an unknown destination, a new place. We feel “called to set out for a place….” It is in this adventure we anticipate a blessing. The safari might be marriage, child rearing, a new job, or a move across country. For me the journey is to walk into widowhood. I don’t know where I’m going much more than Abraham knew. This is the Genesis account by Moses centuries before.
12 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. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.
(Genesis 12:1-5)
I’m 77 and this story feels somehow familiar except I no longer have my spouse but friends on the journey with me. Abraham’s journey and our journey into the unknown are journeys of faith. We are trusting an unseen God for a yet to be experienced future. We do not go alone though. Abraham took Sarah and Lot and we take our friends with us and we take a history of seeking to recognize God’s faithfulness in our lives. Can you think of another time when you faced into an uncertain future? Name one of the factors that scared you. Now name a blessing or two that came out of that experience. Blessings as you step forward.
On the Way to Wonder 