A prayer for the courage to step into the unknown
Written by Clarence Haynes
Bible reading:
The Lord said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people, and your father’s house and go to a land that I will show you.” – Genesis 12:1
Listen or read below:
I often wonder what went through Abraham’s heart when he heard these words from the Lord. Was he nervous? Was he scared? Did he wonder if the Lord was really speaking to him? Better yet, what went through Sarah’s mind? Can you imagine walking into your house today, packing up all your belongings, loading your car, and announcing to your spouse that you are moving? When everyone asks you where you are going, you say, “I don’t know, but I’m sure God will tell you which way to go when we get in the car.”
The story of Abraham has the advantage of looking back and seeing the outcome. Abraham didn’t have the luxury of knowing what the future holds, and neither do we in our journey through life. He had a promise from God and he obeyed it. We must do the same.
Let’s take a moment to consider what Abraham left behind. He was walking away from his homeland and his father’s family. This was to give up his identity. He was leaving the safe and familiar and stepping into something vulnerable, unpredictable, and unstable. He put himself in a position where he had to be completely dependent on the God who called him.
It’s easy to praise Abraham’s faith, but it’s even scarier when faced with a choice. Faith always comes easier when there are no trials or the current trials are over. But do you have the same faith when you don’t know what lies ahead? That’s when courage steps in. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is the determination to move forward despite fear. It is a decision to make your faith in God greater than your fear of the unknown.
Courage is part of the journey
Walking with Christ is a walk of courage and faith. This starts from the beginning. Trusting Christ for your salvation and placing your eternal destiny in His hands is an act of courage and faith. None of us, other than those who walked with Jesus, have ever seen Jesus with our own eyes, and yet we believe. This first step of faith prepares us to make courageous lifelong choices.
As you continue your journey of faith, you may need to be brave and take a step forward, not knowing what awaits you. Abraham did that. Peter did that when he got out of the boat and walked on the water. You must do the same. When we follow God’s guidance, we almost always act without complete information. All you can do is promise and prompt. I don’t know what will happen, but I believe that God will honor what He has said in His Word. That, my friend, is courageous. Thankfully, you don’t have to gather this yourself, as the Holy Spirit will empower you.
What does God require of you?
Let’s make this a very personal story. What is God asking you to do now? He may not be asking you to pack everything up and move out, but he can. Is God asking you to start a new ministry, step into a new career, or just be quiet and trust in Him when you have every urge to do the opposite? Even if you feel like you have complete information or only a clear sense that God is leading you, continue to trust God. It’s not unusual to feel a little nervous or scared. I might even add that it’s a little healthy because, like Abraham, you become completely dependent on God. This journey requires you to overcome your fears and trust in a God who never fails. It may feel scary, but it takes courage and faith.
Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father,
I come before you with a heart both eager and anxious. I know what you called me to do. Whether it’s standing up for the truth, shining the light of Christ, or simply following my own will, none of it comes naturally or feels comfortable, but I know that’s what you want me to do.
My prayer today is to give you the courage to trust in your Word, your promises, and your Spirit so that I can follow your heart. Give me the boldness to let go of what You are asking me to let go of and step out of the boat into the unknown. Give me the courage to know that when I cannot trust in the uncertain, I can trust in the certainty of You. Help me to keep Your promises, live courageously, and allow my life to reflect Your faithfulness.
In the name of Jesus,
Amen.
Share your thoughts on today’s devotion in the Daily Prayer discussion in the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/francescoch
Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a dynamic speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of a Bible study club dedicated to helping people live with purpose and clarity. In addition to his ministry, Clarence has been a trusted financial educator for the past 13 years, coaching thousands of people across the country, including employees of many Fortune 500 companies, toward lasting financial health. His unique ability to blend practical wisdom with spiritual insight enables people to succeed in all areas of life.
He is the author of The Pursuit of Purpose, which helps readers understand how God leads readers to His will, and the author of The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible, and has released his first course, Fundamentals of Bible Study, to accomplish that goal. To learn more about his ministry and resources, please visit clarencehaynes.com.
Related Resources: Be Still – Advent Meditation
This season of Advent is busy and hectic, but that’s why we need time to stop and be still with God. So Much More is a podcast created to bring you a space to be with God. This month we’ll be introducing Advent meditations designed to help you quiet your mind and hear from the Lord. If you like what you hear, subscribe to So Much More on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode.
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