New lands

Stephen answered, ‘Brothers and fathers, listen to me! Before our ancestor Abraham had gone to live in Haran, the God of glory appeared to him in Mesopotamia and said to him, “Leave your family and country and go to the land that I will show you”. And so he left his country and went to live in Haran. After Abraham’s father died, God made him move to this land where you now live.’ (verses 2-4)

Read Acts 7:2-8

‘ Go, ‘ God said to Abraham, ‘go to a new land. ‘ God is still telling people to go to new lands, to go on new ventures, to follow new paths.

Perhaps he’s telling someone right now (it could be you) to go to a new job; to move house; or to take on a new project such as a course of study, or some community work or involvement with the Kids Club or some other group at church.

I would guess we don’t usually hear God’s voice as clearly as Abraham apparently did. Prayer, discussions with family and friends and church leaders, as well as reading God’s word can all be channels through which we hear better what God may be telling us.

Immeasurable blessings came from Abraham’s obedience to God’s command. It’s always that way when we follow God’s directing. And there’s one other thing that’s for sure: when we go down the path God wants us to, he goes along with us.

God, if there’s some new path in life that you want me to follow, please make it clear to me in some way, because I want to fit in with your plan for my life. Amen.

Devotion by Grace Simpson from “God’s Promises for each day” (LCA, Openbook Publishers, 1999)

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