“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.” Jeremiah 33:3
“Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.” Habakkuk 1:5
“Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'” John 20:29
“Look, you scoffers,
be astounded and perish;
for I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.” Acts 13:41
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Abraham heard and heeded God’s call, even though he knew not where he was going. David knew God’s call from a young age, though not all it would entail. He waited years until its fulfillment. Paul was transformed by the word of the Lord, and obeyed though he would suffer much for His sake. Over and over, people of faith through the scriptures and history, saw little but obeyed, knowing the One who would reveal step by step where they were to go and how they were to live and serve. (Genesis 12:1-9; 1 Samuel 16:11-13; 2 Samuel 5:12; Acts 9:3-16; Hebrews 11:7-10,11:13-16)
It is our natural bent to want to know ahead of time what to expect. We prefer to anticipate needs, responsibilities, potential pitfalls. But more often than not, little can be guaranteed before the unfolding of any situation. The call of God is a call to faith, to trust Him rather than His details. The adventure of a Christian’s life thus becomes a journey in growing acquaintance and expanding knowledge and love for the Lord, not the next step to take. If we knew everything we would face, we might never embark. We sense a sliver of risk, a hint of pain, a squeak of sacrifice required, and we recoil.
Where have we set ourselves against God’s plans because we are stuck in our ways and places of comfort? Have we allowed our parameters to widen and walls to shrink, limiting what we’re willing to do and where we’re willing to go for the Lord? What new horizons might He be preparing? What stretch of faith has He beckoned us to consider, and take?
What if we began each day seeking the Lord Himself over any gifts or guidance or help? Studying His word to learn His character and understand His ways with man, communities, and nations expands the mind and will. Meditating on the evidences we see of His love and sufficiency enlarges the heart and awakens new desire to know, and have, more.
How has His Spirit encouraged and fortified us in faith through committed study? What glimpses of grace, conviction, or purpose has the Lord exposed, and how will we pursue them in faith?
Lord, grant me courage to welcome the slivers of Your plans and follow with zeal, trusting You to lead and bless the way, for the others’ good and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 