I feel the following consideration is very apropos at this time as we are en masse participating in a leaving and arriving from 2018 to 2019.

In Genesis 12:1-5 we have an account of a huge “leaving” for Abraham and his family orchestrated by God.  God told him to leave Haran and go to a place He would show him which was Canaan.  The story continues through the entirety of chapter 13.  

The apostle Paul also addresses this in Hebrews 11:8-10.  Verse 8 of this chapter says, “By faith Abraham when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”  Abraham’s stellar faith gave him the strength to obey God’s command even though he was not at all sure where God was leading him.  He followed God into the unknown.  

It goes without saying that in order to arrive at one destination one has to leave another destination—there can be no arriving without a leaving.  It is akin to the saying that there has to be an ending before there can be a beginning.  You have to leave something behind in order to arrive.  That “something” can be a job, a geographical location, a relationship.  But it can also be a desire, an expectation, or a goal which I feel can often times be the most difficult.  

As Christians, we need to pray that these things are in line with the will and direction of God.  And we need to ask for the Holy Spirit’s leading in these matters. I sometimes ponder what amazing outcomes and destinations we never experience because we have not given over control to our Heavenly Father—we fail to obey as Abraham did.  And did you catch the part where Paul says that the place where God led him was where he would receive his inheritance?    Wow—how differently Abraham’s life would have turned out if he had chosen not to follow divine directives.  What he would have missed out on!! 

As you leave 2018 and arrive in 2019 how willing will you be to follow God as did Abraham into the unknown?  Do not miss out on the wonderful blessings God has in store for you.

In closing think about making one of your New Year resolves to take time to savor one special moment each day—a kind’ve stopping to smell the roses scenario.  You might be surprised at the joy that can generate.

http://livingbeforegodsface.com