He Knows the Way That I Take

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. Hebrews 11:8 (New American Standard Bible)

My final thoughts before I drifted off to sleep last night and my first thoughts when I awoke this morning were of a list of my ancestors found within the pages of Scripture. The list was as follows: Ruth, Joseph, Moses, Abraham, and David. Each called of God for a special time and purpose. Each required to leave what they had known to enter that which was only fully known by God. None would have experienced God’s call without leaving one place for another. In today’s verse the phrase he went out, not knowing has captured my attention.

There is a part of me that is glad God does not reveal the things that lie ahead. Many times He does not let us see the good or the bad of our future…the trials or the treasures. It is part of the faith walk He invites us to embrace. If we knew the difficulties that awaited us we would often allow fear to freeze us in our tracks. And if we knew the blessings that lay ahead we would follow simply for that reason.

I look back over the last four years of my journey and I can see where “knowing” would have robbed me of joy and the desire to move forward. When I reached for freedom He didn’t let me know it would eventually mean the loss of a teaching job as well as the loss of my husband‘s teaching job. When I embraced the teaching, nurturing, and care of a mentor He didn’t let me know the day would come when she would step away and I would be devastated. In both those cases I would now say it was worth it, but had I been told upfront, both experiences would have entailed more fear than faith and sorrow than joy. No, in His wisdom He didn’t let me know. But when each result came so did His words, “My grace is sufficient for you.” And it was!

At the same time, I have been left in tearful amazement at the “gifts of goodness” He continually gives. He didn’t let me know ahead of time the delight I would find in sending out email devotionals, the introduction of more significant relationships, and the daily adventure of being made whole by Him. No, He didn’t let me know ahead of time but with each one I hear His words, “My ways and thoughts are higher than yours.” And they are!

This all comes at a time when I know He is inviting me to turn a corner with Him. It requires letting go and moving forward. He has laid the groundwork and helped me to see that what lies ahead is fully known by Him. Embracing Him means embracing the path He has carved out for me. I want both!

Father, You know my heart as well as my thoughts. I don’t want to miss anything You have planned for me even when I know it will entail difficulties with the delights. I choose to follow. Amen.