If I am traveling someplace new I need directions. Some people have a navigation sense about them. That is not me. You can ask my wife. On one of our first dates I was completely convinced we were headed in the right direction before she kindly pointed out that we had been headed in the wrong direction of Philadelphia for a few blocks. You can bet that if we are taking a trip together, we have the GPS on, printed directions in hand, and our google map app on stand-by. Getting lost usually isn’t a whole lot of fun, especially if you have someplace you need to be. The Lord had given Abraham a destination. There was a promise of an inheritance set before him. God equipped Abraham with directions for this journey and Abraham trusted God. Abraham showed great faith despite the trip being a new, even strange, experience for him. The Lord often calls us to head in directions that may seem foreign, strange, or brand new but if we trust His directions He will bring us to His destination even if we do not know where that is.
Abraham’s adventure is recapped in Hebrews 11:8, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going…” (emphasis added). Abraham was called to lay down his home and all that he knew to move to where God was leading him. There were great changes he needed to face. Great sacrifices in which he needed to make but he was willing to withstand all of these things because of his trust in the Lord. He knew that God was faithful to His word. He was certain that the Lord would fulfill His promise. He also trusted that God’s destination was far better than any place or plan that he could arrive to on his own. Trusting the direction of God he went out “not knowing where he was going” but knowing full well who was leading.
It can be extremely frustrating when we get faulty directions especially when they are supposed to come from a reliable source. I will always remember a time I ended up in someone’s driveway when I was scheduled to be at a University for a conference. And this happened following “Mapquest” directions! When other directions may come up short or fail us, we can be sure that God’s directions will never lead us astray. If He gives us instruction, you can be sure that it will be for our good, and His destination! You may be at a point in your life where you do not know where you are going. It may be unclear as to what direction the Lord is leading but He has given you specific directions for your journey in His Word. Follow Him to His destination for you.
At Pike we have journeyed through some changes. We have traveled in a direction that may seem strange and unknown but even though we may not know exactly where the Lord is leading we do know the directions that He has given us; to remain humble, to serve, and to long for Jesus Christ (1 Thess. 1:9-10). Like Abraham, let us obey the Lord. Let us continue to move forward in these things. I have been awestruck and encouraged at how the Lord has been working in our church and within all of you over the past few months. It has been amazing to witness the growth, service, and humility that have been displayed through God’s work and grace. This is all evidence that we are walking where He is leading. Let’s continue! There is plenty of summer left and plenty of opportunity to follow these directions. Trust in His Word and promises even if we don’t know where we are going or if things appear strange. The Lord will lead us to His destination!
Traveling With You, Pastor Rudy