Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
“It was by faith that Noah built an ark to save his family from the flood. He obeyed GOD, who warned him about something that had never happened before. By his faith he condemned the rest of the world and was made right in GOD’s sight.” ~ Hebrews 11:7
Noah experienced rejection because he was different from his neighbors. GOD commanded him to build a huge boat in the middle of dry land, and although GOD’s command seemed foolish, Noah obeyed. Noah’s obedience made him appear strange to his neighbors, just as the new beliefs of Jewish Christians undoubtedly made them stand out. As you obey GOD, do not be surprised if others regard you as “different”. Your obedience makes their disobedience stand out. Remember, if GOD asks you to do something, HE will give you the necessary strength to carry out that task.
8 “It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when GOD called him to leave home and go to another land that GOD would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. 9 And even when he reached the land GOD promised him, he lived there by faith – for he was like a foreigner, living in a tent. And so did Isaac and Jacob, to whom GOD gave the same promise. 10 Abraham did this because he was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by GOD.” – Hebrews 11:8-10 – Abraham’s life was filled with faith. At GOD’s command, he left home and went to another land – obeying without question. – “Then the LORD told Abram, ‘Leave your country, your relatives, and your father’s house, and go to the land that I will show you.’” – Genesis 12:1 – He obeyed GOD because he believed the covenant that GOD made with him. 2 “I will cause you to become the father of a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and I will make you a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.” – Genesis 12:2-3 – GOD established a covenant with Abram, telling him that he would found a great nation. Not only would this nation be blessed, GOD said, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram’s descendants. Israel, the nation that would come from Abram, was to follow GOD and influence those with whom it came in contact. Through Abram’s family tree, Jesus Christ was born to save humanity. Through Christ, people can have a personal relationship with GOD and be blessed beyond measure.
GOD promised to bless Abram and make him famous, but there was one condition. Abram had to do what GOD wanted him to do. This meant leaving his home and friends and traveling to a new land where GOD promised to build a great nation from Abram’s family. Abram obeyed, walking away from his home for GOD’s promise of even greater blessings in the future. GOD may be trying to lead you to a place of greater service and usefulness for him. Do not be surprised if GOD asks you to give up secure, familiar surroundings in order to carry out HIS will – and do not let the comfort and security of your present position make you miss HIS plan for your life.
Father GOD, I want to be obedient, help me to know when YOU are trying to lead me to a place of greater service and usefulness for YOU. I know that if YOU ask me to do something, YOU will give me the necessary strength to carry out that task. I do not want my present position to make me miss YOUR plan for my life. Give me discernment to know if and/or when I must give up my secure and familiar surroundings in order to carry out YOUR will.
Photo: Great Smoky Mountain Park (Tennessee)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
