Follow Me and I will Make You...

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Heb 11:15-16 And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them. Hebrews 11:8-10 NASB

I attended a conference led by Henry Blackaby in which he made a comment that equipped me to face the most painful and ultimately most beneficial time in my life. He said, “You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” Within a few years the entire landscape of my life shifted dramatically. No aspect of my life was untouched by change. As you read the Scriptures it is abundantly clear how accurate Blackaby’s statement was. Abraham said yes to God even though he had no idea where he was headed. God told Abraham that He would “make him a father of many nations.” Gen. 17:5 Jesus called His disciples to lay down their plans and dreams. He didn’t give them a road map; He kept them close by saying “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” The journey began when they chose to walk by faith in a relationship with the One who is the Way and not by sight. Abraham had to leave his country and all that was familiar. The disciples had to lay down the lesser (fishing nets) for the greater (fishers of men).

His priority in our lives is our character and not a call that we may perceive or hope He has for us. The forming of our character and the strengthening of our faith can be a painful process filled with wonderful victories but also many trials and disappointments. We do have an enemy who wants to dis-appoint us. He wants us to question, doubt, and stray off course. Both Abraham and the disciples were tempted to go back. During a time of famine Abraham went to Egypt and after the crucifixion Peter went back to fishing. When hard times come we are tempted to go back to the familiar or doubt that He ever really called us.

How do we stay on the path that He has for us? It says very clearly that, “If they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country that is a heavenly one.” Paul adds to our instruction in Romans 8:5 “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep your thoughts and desires aligned with His. This world is passing away. His plans for us inside and out are good. Don’t go back to the place or things He called you from. Follow Him. He is totally trustworthy.

MY PRAYER: Lord, you have called us to join you on this journey. Help us to not look back. Help us to set our minds on what your Spirit desires. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. You are my exceeding great reward and I will follow by your grace. In the Name above all names, amen.

MY CONFESSION: I am following the One who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I am walking by faith and you are not ashamed to be called my God. My mind is set on following You and My desires are aligned with Yours. You are conforming me to the image of Your Son. I stand on your Word!