Launch Out Into The Deep预览

Keep Your Eyes On The Horizon

The story of simple obedience to God's command prove so powerful in the Apostle Peter's life, but there is also another story in the Bible I love that shows the same principle of launching out into the deep. It's the story of Abraham, and I am sure you are no stranger to this great man of faith; after all, we are children of father Abraham. I hope his story will also inspire you to keep your eyes on the promise God has made to you. Abraham was called by God to leave his family and the place he was familiar with and venture on a journey to a land God would show him. 

God only gave Abraham a command and a promise, and Abraham simply obeyed. The promise he received sounded so good, there was no reason for Abraham not to launch out. The Lord said, "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. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Genesis 12:2 – 3 NIV). Who doesn't want to be rich and famous? It sounds like a great deal one I would not have passed up. 

Unlike Peter who experienced his miracle immediately after he followed Jesus' command, Abraham's journey would be a long one. Sometimes, we receive what we ask for in a flash, and then sometimes, we must "Faith it till we make it." I think we would all prefer the Peter experience, but God has much to teach us in the Abraham experience. God gave Abraham the promise, but he never told Abraham the land he would give him was already occupied, he didn't tell him he would run into a famine and have to move, he didn't tell him he would experience separation from his nephew, or he would have to go to war. God also promised Abraham a son in his old age, but he didn't tell him he would have to wait about twenty-five years for that fulfillment and even after he had his son, God asked him to sacrifice his son after he waited that long. Just writing this makes me appreciate father Abraham, he wasn't perfect, he had his down and doubtful days, but through all that he faced, he kept his eyes on the horizon – the promises God made to him. He was drafted into the great hall of faith in the book of Hebrews because of his ability to take God at His word even when he could not see it happening. 

Perhaps you have received a powerful word from God about your life, but so many obstacles and hindrances have happened along the way, and you think it won't happen for you. I want to encourage you to hold on to the stories of the men of faith in the Bible and keep your eyes on the horizon, and like Abraham, you too will see a beautiful end.

"God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile" – Max Lucado.