By Roxanne Drury
What, no map? When God called Abraham to be the father of a new nation (Genesis 12:1-4), He told him to leave his homeland and go to a place that would be shown to him. Wait, what – no planned destination? YIKES! But Abraham did it. Every call from God is an invitation to leave something or someplace so that we might be free for something or someplace else that He has for us.
When the call comes, we are often asked to leave something safe, familiar, and comfortable. However, safety can sometimes limit our opportunities for a greater life, personally and spiritually. When we accept the invitation, we free ourselves to grow and see a broader vision of life, love, and purpose through the eyes of God.
Trusting God enough to follow the call is the hardest part. What my husband Steve and I have learned is that holding onto the control we think we have keeps us from experiencing everything God has planned for us.
Last Wednesday night, we hosted our final Community Group gathering at the home we’ve lived in since moving to Idaho 10 years ago. We’re about to move soon. The group has met here on Wednesday nights for nearly six years. These dear friends reminded us of all the wonderful times we’ve shared in our home – laughing, praying, studying the Word, sharing, crying, crafting, eating, and simply experiencing life’s ups and downs together. Not to mention all the kids’ Bible studies, art classes, game nights, and Christmas cookie-baking sessions that took place under this roof. Along with women’s breakfasts, brunches, luncheons, and farewells, the countless meals and holidays spent with friends and family are too many to count, just as the children and dogs we’ve hosted for days or weeks at a time. So much has happened under this tent.
A friend reminded me of Isaiah 54:2. Isaiah was speaking to the Israelites about hope and promise, and that God was about to do a new thing. Today, it encourages us to ask God to open wide the doors of opportunity, possibility, fulfillment, God’s promises, and purpose. His divine love prompts us to be ready for the next season and perhaps future gatherings of His people, people we don’t even know yet.
“Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes.” – Isaiah 54:2
This verse encourages us to expand our horizons, stretch our faith, and increase our influence on others by stepping out of our comfort zone, broadening our reach, and deepening our roots. It challenges us to leave our bubble and make space for growth and new opportunities that can impact more people for the Lord (Philemon 1:7). When God calls, we don’t need to fear or hold back. He has a plan, and it is for good (Jeremiah 29:11). God was in our old house; He’ll be in our new home.
We can learn a marvelous lesson from Abraham. Abraham packed his belongings and headed out of town. He didn’t know where he was going or why he was going there. But he knew the God who asked him to do it – and so he went. No questions asked. No complaints. No hesitation. Abraham simply trusted. And so can we, because we know the same God Abraham knew, and God is trustworthy. Plus, at least we have a map.
Though bittersweet at times, when God calls, there is a greater purpose beyond what we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). I look forward to seeing what He has planned for you and for us as we answer when God calls.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – Isaiah 43:19
Roxanne Drury is a wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Christian preschool teacher who served the Lord in children’s ministry for over 45 years. She has written a group study guide on Psalm 23, as well as other books. She may be reached at glorylandbooks@gmail.com.
