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The Waiting Years
Read Genesis 11:10–12:9
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:1-2
Two men began a journey from Ur in Mesopotamia. Terah was the leader, but Abram had the instructions from God (Acts 7:2-4). To Terah, the destination was Canaan. Trustful Abram just called it 'the land God will show me'. Terah gave up midway and settled in Haran. Filial Abram interrupted his journey too.
What were those years in Haran like? Abram used them to ascertain his call. He matured in his understanding of and relationship with God. The promises in Genesis 12:2-3 attest to how special he was to God. Abram also prospered materially. Could he forsake Haran for an insecure, unknown future? The renewed call tested his faith, his perspective and his commitment to God.
Abram’s experience portrays the struggles of many Asian Christians considering full-time ministry. They yearn to obey God’s call, yet they are obligated to provide for their parents. Remunerations for Christian workers are simply inadequate for these financial commitments. Thus the appropriate decision would be to wait. How comforting now to read that God waited with Abram too.
To wait on without surrendering the vision is very difficult. Many would become too comfortable to move on. But these waiting years need not be wasted years. Abram turned them into growing years. When the time finally came, his faith was strong and steadfast. Arriving in the Promised Land, he worshipped and dedicated himself in everlasting service to the Master he could at last obey freely.
Where are we now, in our journey of faith and obedience?
Pray for intending Christian full-time workers that they will be clear about their call and steadfast in their vision.
Read Genesis 11:10–12:9
The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing." Genesis 12:1-2
Two men began a journey from Ur in Mesopotamia. Terah was the leader, but Abram had the instructions from God (Acts 7:2-4). To Terah, the destination was Canaan. Trustful Abram just called it 'the land God will show me'. Terah gave up midway and settled in Haran. Filial Abram interrupted his journey too.
What were those years in Haran like? Abram used them to ascertain his call. He matured in his understanding of and relationship with God. The promises in Genesis 12:2-3 attest to how special he was to God. Abram also prospered materially. Could he forsake Haran for an insecure, unknown future? The renewed call tested his faith, his perspective and his commitment to God.
Abram’s experience portrays the struggles of many Asian Christians considering full-time ministry. They yearn to obey God’s call, yet they are obligated to provide for their parents. Remunerations for Christian workers are simply inadequate for these financial commitments. Thus the appropriate decision would be to wait. How comforting now to read that God waited with Abram too.
To wait on without surrendering the vision is very difficult. Many would become too comfortable to move on. But these waiting years need not be wasted years. Abram turned them into growing years. When the time finally came, his faith was strong and steadfast. Arriving in the Promised Land, he worshipped and dedicated himself in everlasting service to the Master he could at last obey freely.
Where are we now, in our journey of faith and obedience?
Pray for intending Christian full-time workers that they will be clear about their call and steadfast in their vision.
Scripture
About this Plan
Scripture Union Peninsular Malaysia's Bible reflections are devotional readings from the thoughts and insights of Asian writers. Consisting of 8 volumes, they cover the whole Bible in four years. Each volume contains books from the Old and New Testaments, and has a mix of historical, poetic and prophetic books, the gospels and epistles. Using this you can cultivate the discipline of a regular, systematic engagement with Scripture and gain an understanding of its magnificent story.
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We would like to thank Scripture Union for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.su.org.my
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