By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed and set out for a place that he was going to receive as an inheritance. He went out, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he stayed as a foreigner in the land of promise, living in tents as did Isaac and Jacob, coheirs of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
Hebrews 11:8-10
Insufficient Instructions?
Have you ever been sent out on a mission, but with inadequate directions? You were told to complete a certain task, but without enough information to feel sufficient. It’s frustrating and disheartening. So what do we do when it seems like God’s plan for us is just oblivious obedience?
Like Abraham, we set out by faith in His promise.
Direct Your Attention Here
The word “oblivious” means not knowing or caring about what’s going on around you. God doesn’t call us to that; in the midst of the greatest tests of obedience, our faith doesn’t lead us to simply abandon an awareness of everything going on around us. No doubt Abraham had concerns as he packed up his life and liveliness in an unknown direction.
It’s not an oblivious obedience He calls us to; it’s one that counts up the cost and deems Him worthy of His promise to redeem it all. He is the One we’re directing our focus toward—not any earthly means of security or comfort. Abraham focused his attention forward to an eternity spent with his Creator, one we’re invited into as well.
Seeing from a Distance
God called Abraham to sacrifice his comfort and worldly security on the basis of an inheritance he would one day receive. The Lord told him that he would be the father of a great nation, one that he didn’t get to see the complete fullness of. Verse 13 states that Abraham and the rest of those mentioned in this chapter, “all died in faith, although they had not received the things that were promised. But they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.”
They, too, weren’t oblivious to the cost of following the Lord; they just knew the value of following the One whose hand was in it all, the God who had built a city with a place in it just for them and for us, too. Like Abraham, we’re walking by faith, but never towards oblivion. God knows where He’s taking us; we just have to be willing to be led by faith in Him alone.
What Now?
Does your faith journey seem directionless? Are you in need of the discernment and guidance of the Lord? Lean into biblical community as you continue to navigate the unknowns set before you. Trust in His goodness and believe in His promise that prevails.