The Path To The Great Things God Wants To Do In Our Lives

Sermon Devotional: What God wants in our lives: Genesis 12:1-4

God tells Abraham to go. That’s it. Simply go. No list of things to pack, no directions mapped out for him. An incredible ask and an amazing act of obedience. But the lesson for today is in what God says next. “I will make you into a great nation.”

Anything worth doing is hard. I say that to my kids all the time. Whether my son is facing a difficult race track, my daughter is struggling with a tough math test, or they’re navigating life as followers of Jesus, challenges are a part of growth. And whenever I need a reminder of the kind of faith God calls us to, I turn to Genesis and the story of Abraham. It’s there that we find God asking Abraham to step into the unknown—to leave everything familiar without even knowing where he was going.

But stepping out like Abraham is just the beginning. His story teaches us that while obedience is crucial, it's not about immediate results or knowing the outcome. Instead, God’s blessings often come after our acts of obedience. Throughout the Bible, we see this pattern—God leading His people through tough circumstances to show that it is His strength and guidance, not our own, that carries us. By trusting Him in the uncertainty, we allow His plan and blessings to unfold in ways we could never have imagined.

So, what difficult act of obedience is God calling you to right now? What would happen if you took that first step in faith, even when it seems hard or uncertain? It might just be the moment that opens the door to a life filled with God’s blessings. When we embrace the challenges He sets before us, we begin to experience the full depth of His goodness and grace. Let Him guide you, and trust that His plan, though unseen, is filled with hope and purpose.

Things to think about

1. What is a specific area in my life where I feel God is asking me to step out in faith? What fears or doubts do I have about this situation, and how can I bring those before God?

2. Reflect on a time when I obeyed God despite uncertainty. What did I learn from that experience, and how did it shape my faith? How can I apply those lessons to my current circumstances?

3. How do I define God’s blessings in my life? Am I open to receiving those blessings in unexpected ways that might require me to first take a difficult step?