Life is full of surprises, is it not? It is unpredictable, full of unexpected twists and turns. One minute you are settled and comfortable; the next, you are grappling with uncertainty, wondering, "What's next?"
This is where the story of Abraham, from the Bible, resonates. The LORD called him to leave everything behind and journey to a new, unknown land: "Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee" (Genesis 12:1). If I heard a voice like that, I would probably wonder whether I was imagining things!
But Abram listened. He trusted in something greater than himself, taking a huge leap of faith. He packed up his family and his possessions and set off on a journey into the unknown. He had no map, no destination, and no clear understanding of his purpose. Now, that took courage! "So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him... and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran" (Genesis 12:4).
We do not all need to become nomads, of course. But Abraham's story holds an important lesson. Life is full of challenges and changes. Jobs end, relationships change, and plans fall apart. It is easy to feel lost and afraid when these things happen.
Abraham's story reminds us to face the unknown with courage and trust. He teaches us the importance of faith, especially when the path ahead is unclear. He shows us that taking that first step, even without knowing the destination, can be an act of immense bravery.
So, the next time you find yourself facing uncertainty and wondering, "What's next?", remember Abraham. Be brave, trust in something greater than yourself, and have faith. You never know what wonderful things may be waiting around the corner — things which our merciful and all-knowing God has tailor-made for you.
If you have read this far, you may be interested in what comes next. Let us walk the journey of faith together, through the Old Testament and the New.