Wanting Clearer Directions

Scripture – Genesis 12:1-5: 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 peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram left, as the LORD had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Haran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) And so our story as a local church begins. From Abram’s response to God’s call, a common historical thread can be traced throughout the Bible up to today. How did Abram perceive/receive God’s word? However that came to him, it was clear enough that he responded by radically disrupting his life – and that of his family. God had a place for him to go. And it appears from Abram’s perspective that place was unknown. It was only “the land I will show you.” God also had a plan for Abram – “I will make you into a great nation….” With only those vague instructions, they set out and they arrived where God intended for them to be.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Often I wonder why do I do what I’m doing, and where am I headed? I keep myself open to God’s call and direction. And He seems to be taking me just a step at a time, with only a vague picture of the future. I want to know more. I want to see a clearer picture of what He has planned for Bethel Baptist. I want to see clearly what my role is in that plan – or if I have a role in that plan. Given all that, I will listen for God’s voice today and I will respond.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know me. You know I get impatient sometimes. You know I want in on more of the details. Please let me see what you want. Help me overcome my resistance to your call. Your grace has always been sufficient for me. Forgive my impatience. Move me forward with clarity for this day.