He went out, not knowing whither he went.

Hebrews 11:8 KJV

Notably, the Bible doesn’t tell us a great deal about Abraham’s life until God gave him the command to “go to a new land that I will show you”. The Bible drops us right there, at that moment. The only other information we have is who his relatives are. But let’s dissect what it does tell us, and hopefully glean how Abraham gained such firm faith.

Genesis 12 tells us that Abraham was 75 years old when they set out from Haran with his wife Sarai and his nephew Lot. At this age, I imagine that Abram had been through some things. I imagine that – by this point – God had a track record of faithfulness that made him obey God without question.

Genesis 11 tells us that Abraham’s father, Terah, passed away.  Abraham also lost his brother, Haran, which is – presumably – why his nephew Lot is now living with him. And verse 30 tells us that Abraham’s wife Sarai was barren. It isn’t hard to imagine that Abraham had been through enough troubles or heartache to learn to trust God’s instruction.

If you are preparing to move to a new country, I encourage you too, to look back on the things that God has done for you.  Sicknesses He’s healed you from.  Dangerous situations He’s gotten you out of.  Decisions He’s helped you to make.  Loved ones He’s protected.  Make a list, and say a prayer of thanks over each item.  As you meditate on your list, I pray that God would grant you Faith Like Abraham for your current situation as an expat and/or for your next move.

Points to Pack:

  • Hebrews 11:8 – “He went out, not knowing whither he went.”
  • Song:“God is Good” by Jonathan McReynolds (YouTube video)

 

  • May your struggles keep you near the cross
    And may your troubles show that you need God
    And may your battles end the way they should
    And may your bad days prove that God is good
    And may your whole life prove that God is good

 

  • May your struggles keep you near the cross
    And may your troubles show that you need God
    And may your battles end the way they should
    And may your bad days prove that God is good
    And may your whole life prove that God is good