DAY 6: LORD, GIVE ME FAITH TO GO
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Aug. 22nd, 2023
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” – Hebrews 11:8
DEVOTION
We live in a day and age that loves the 3 C’s—control, comfort, and clout. The idea of being asked to do something threatening to these three would make someone want to pack up their belongings and leave town quickly.
We love our control. We want to know what’s going on, who’s in charge, how long it will take, and clear directions on how to get there. We love comfort. Comfort clothes. Comfort food. Comfort couch. Comfy life. And anything that makes us uncomfortable will be short-lived. Finally, we love our clout. According to the Oxford Dictionary, “clout” is influence or power. Something deep within us desires to be the star of the show and recognized for our greatness. Now imagine Abraham in Genesis 12 receiving a call from God to abandon all three!
At 75 years old (you’re never too old to be used by God, right?!), God got a hold of Abraham and called him to leave the country he knew best (control), the family he did life with (comfort), and even his father’s household (clout) and to instead go. (Genesis 12:1) Perhaps you’re thinking, “Ok… but where?” That’s just it. God didn’t tell him where. He said “go” without putting the final destination in the GPS. He had to go “by faith” (Hebrews 11:8).
Today, is there something God is calling you to do by faith? It will likely involve going against your control, comfort, and clout. But isn’t that faith? Confident of what we hope for, assured of what we do not see. Abraham believed God and is an example that we can trust Him by faith, even when unsure of the outcome. By faith, you can trust Him today!
22 “And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” – Romans 4:22-25 nlt
PRAYER
Father, I pray today will be a day filled with faith. Where I don’t see or know the outcome, I’ll trust You anyway. You are the God of the impossible, and You are also with me on this journey. Help me to focus on Christ and follow You with an Abraham-like faith. I trust Your plan and outcomes over my control. In Jesus’ name, amen!
