Called by God: Abraham

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived Tagged with , ,

“The Lord had said to Abram [Abraham], ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.'” Genesis 12:1

Background
Abraham lived with his extended family in a city named Ur of the Chaldeans (modern day Iraq). While there1 God called Abraham: “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.” The calling included two parts:

  • DO    “Leave your country, people and father’s household.”
  • GO    “Go to the land I will show you.”

After Abraham received his calling, he set out for Canaan accompanied by his father Terah and his nephew Lot. However, for some reason the family stopped their journey and settled in a village named Haran.

After Terah passed away, God repeated His call to Abraham and made several promises:

  • To make Abraham the father of a great nation
  • To make his name great
  • To bless him and to bless others through him
  • To bless those who blessed him and curse those who cursed him
  • To bless all peoples on the earth through him

Response
Abraham immediately obeyed God and left Haran for Canaan along with the others. Once in Canaan, God promised Abraham, “I will give your offspring this land.” In response, Abraham built an altar and worshipped the Lord.

Meaning

  • Once God calls you, He expects you to obey immediately
  • A calling contains at least two key components: GO and DO
  • If you delay, God will reiterate the calling, but not always
  • At times God includes promises with a calling
  • Obeying your calling affects others, especially your family

Summary
When God calls you, be prepared to move out and do whatever He tells you without delay.  Move out!

Prayer
Lord, I know You have a specific purpose for my life.  Show it to me. Give me the courage to obeying you without any delay.  Amen

1 Acts 7:2

© 2013 Designed to Serve®

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.