Finding Homeಮಾದರಿ

A native of Ur, Abraham was wealthy and influential. He had lived in Harran for seventy-five years, raising his family and establishing his household. But God called him to abandon all that was familiar and comfortable and follow Him. Abraham swiftly obeyed God. He left his homeland, not knowing where he was going since God hadn’t even revealed the final destination to him.

We can only imagine how difficult it would have been for Abraham to leave behind his country and community and move to an unknown place where he would be a stranger. He would have had to start building a life for himself and his family from scratch. He would have had to familiarize himself with a new culture, a new way of living.

Relocating from one place to another is inconvenient and tiring. It can also be emotionally challenging as we detach ourselves from places, things, and people we love and cherish.

How did Abraham find the courage and resolve to obey God’s command to move?

Abraham considered his relationship with God to be of more value than anything else this world had to offer him. It was more important to Abraham to follow God even if it meant he had to change homes or live in tents. He chose obedience to God over comfort and convenience. His faith in God was greater than the sum of his fears and reservations over his future. By anchoring his sense of security and belonging to God, Abraham made his home with God.

The biblical hero relied on God to be his compass, his map, and his guide as he navigated an unknown and uncertain journey. God promised to bless him, make him into a great nation, and bless all people through him. The patriarch took God at His word, believing in His promises as he embraced a life on the move.

We too can have courageous faith that prompts us to sacrificially love and obey God. We can make our true home with God by firmly planting our trust and hope in His promises and plan. We can find fulfillment and pleasure in His presence.

When we make our home with God, we give Him the first place and the first priority in our lives. We don’t somehow make Him fit with our lifestyles and our choices. Rather, we order our lives around Him. He is at the center of everything we do. Our goals, our desires, and our plans revolve around Him.

The benefit of making our home with God is that unfamiliar surroundings or unprepared transitions cannot wreak havoc with our soul. We can be assured that we are loved and valued by a God who knows everything about us, who watches over us all the time, who longs to help us, who is eager to bless us, and who has good plans for us.

When we make our home with God, His presence will accompany us, whether we find ourselves in dark valleys or in plush meadows, strengthening and refining our faith as we press on.

Making our home with God fuels our faith and encourages us to obey Him.

Reflect: What steps can you take to make God the center of your life?