Into The Unknown
8 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. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Bee's Thoughts:
Today's devotion is again a confirmation from God that I need to step into 2006 BY FAITH, just like Abraham did, for I heard the same message about Abraham during this morning sermon in Church.
What shows Abraham's faith?
1. "he did not know where he was going" (v.8)... yet he stepped into the unknown
2. "he lived in tents... whose architect and builder is God" (v10)... for
Unless the LORD builds the house,3. "he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren" (v11)... he believed in the impossible
its builders labor in vain.
Unless the LORD watches over the city,
the watchmen stand guard in vain.
- Psalm 127:1
4. "longing for a better country—a heavenly one" (v16)... he knew what is permanent and what's not.
Just like Abraham, I am not sure of what 2006 holds for me... I am not sure what I should do, or where I should go, and when these should happen. Just like what I wrote regarding "My 2006 Resolution", all I know is "I want to laugh more, be contented with simple things in life, be innocent again, sleep early and wake up early, don't expect too much from others, to be child-like, be less complicated about life and relationship." I have let go of those things I wanted so much in 2005 but didn't get.
I used to do lots of planning and I charted my own career path, I knew where and when I was going, and I felt proud of my achievements. But now I am learning to walk by faith and not by sight, for God said in Isaiah 55:8-9:
8 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
9 "As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Dear Lord,
Thank You again for reminding me to trust in You as I stepped into 2006 by faith like Abraham. Let me not try to be smart to think of my own ways to do things, but to wait upon You for direction in my life and to use Your ways.
I place all my years of education, my years of working experiences and achievements, my skills and knowledge into Your hands. I surrender them all to You today, Lord. I am now just a simple gal who wants to be contented and happy with whatever You give me or withhold. For I know You love me and want the best for me.
Thank You for the courage to step into 2006 by faith. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen
.......the devotion of Bee
