There is a particular spirit that makes someone a pioneer. It takes courage to go into something new and uncharted. There are those today who go into the missionary field in this way. When you don’t know where things are heading it can be scary. Abraham was setting out on a journey to the unknown. Abraham was to trust God. It was not clear to Abraham, but it was clear to God. God had a plan. See Hebrews 11:8-10 & Acts 7:2-7. God enters into an agreement (covenant) with Abraham. The plan of God is known to us now. It was to save the world through faith. What a journey this was! Abraham could not see the end, yet he trusted in God.

The challenges of a pioneering faith are:-

1 – To leave the unfamiliar

God steps into your life because He has a reason. God is not some random experience. Notice that God picks His words carefully. Abraham is to leave his home, country and family to go somewhere else. The people in this strange country would not like him. It is difficult to exit our comfort zone. We need to be confident in God.

2 – To step out in faith

God gives reassurances (vs. 2). God does have a purpose. God wants to make a difference to the world and wants to use Abraham to do it! It won’t happen unless Abraham steps out in faith. To step out in faith requires us to be:-

• Sure of God’s leading
• Sure of God’s strength
• Sure of our relationship with God

The land of the Canaanites was full of pagans but Abraham was going with the Lord. He world worship in a strange land. He would grow in his relationship with the Lord when out of his comfort zone. He would worship when surrounded by the unfamilar.

3 – To keep in touch

Where is your altar? We are to keep in touch with God. The altar is the place to listen to the Lord. This is the place of humility and honesty before God. The journey has only begun for Abraham. He will be pitching his tent for many years to come. Yet, he is trusting the Lord through it all. He is travelling on a journey with God. How exciting is that? Very exciting!

Categories: Genesis