The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
Genesis 12:1 (NIV)
Why does change always have to cost so much? Why must it always be so invasive? Why does it seem like God wants to just push in—uninvited, unexpected, unannounced— and force me to let go of things that I hold so comfortable? Why is change so fast, so final, so complete? Does God understand the pain He is causing by the changes He is demanding?
Change is challenging—and it's even more challenging when it imposes on my life suddenly, without warning or approval. In many instances, change doesn't even let me resist. I can't form a rebuttal. I dare not retreat because I know that I don't want to live with any regrets, but the thought of moving forward is difficult.
Abraham's change involved leaving familiar country to go occupy a foreign land. He was called to go live in a different culture that speaks a different language and practices different traditions. God essentially told Abraham, “Leave all your relatives, walk away from all of your friends, vacate your home, and oh, in case I didn't mention it before, it's going to be forever.”
God tells him to leave a place of security and familiarity and embrace the unknown. He in essence says to Abraham, “I want you to know that it's all because I want to do something in and through you. It's not about your wants or wishes, but about My will. The only justification you have for responding immediately and obediently is that I am God. You must trust My sovereignty and believe that I always have a purpose. I want you to obediently and radically follow Me because you know that My plans are always best for you.”
Change is hard, but when God's providence is the filter through which you process it, you can accept it. As uncomfortable as you know it will be, and as unfamiliar as the terrain in front of you may appear, you know the One who guides you, and He will walk every step of the way with you.
Are the promises of a future that God has for you enough for you to let go of what you know and step forward into something new, uncertain, and uncomfortable?
