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.’ - Genesis 12:1-4aAfter seventy-five years, the Lord still had a lifetime’s worth of work for Abram and Sarai, as they were still called.
Now, the Lord wasn’t yet specific about the work this couple was to do. They would have to go on a journey to discover God’s purpose for them. In this case, the journey was all the way from Haran in modern-day Iraq, across the Fertile Crescent, down into the land of Egypt and back. They became discouraged and weary along the way. More than once, they doubted the Lord’s promise to them. But they persevered by faith. Eventually, a son, Isaac, was born to them in the new land to which the Lord had led them. Isaac and Rebekah, in turn, bore Esau and Jacob; and Jacob and his wives gave birth to twelve sons whose offspring became the twelve tribes of Israel. A great nation, indeed.
Regardless of our age, God always has work for us, some purpose for our lives. To discover that purpose may require us to go on a journey. An interior journey. This purpose, this work, may not be immediately apparent. It will surely require the perseverance of faith to discover it.
Why not spend some time today reflecting on God’s purpose for you? There may be someone in need of your forgiveness. There is undoubtedly someone in need of your compassion. Extending these gifts to others is as great a purpose for your life as founding a great nation.
—The Rev Lex Breckinridge
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