The LORD had said to Abram, “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.”
Genesis 12:1
When God says to Abram, “Leave….” It is not a suggestion but a clear divine command. God calls Abram to separate himself, to cut ties with the familiar, to disconnect from one place and head towards another. God calls Abram to leave and go forth, not just to change the environment, but to do so for his own benefit.
The command to “Leave…” at this stage of Abram’s life, reminds us that there is grave danger in staying too long in one place. Staying too long in same place can make us stagnant and stale. Instead of flowing like fountains with an ever-renewing supply of fresh water, we can become like cisterns that hold water until it turns stale. For when our faith becomes routine, when we are not stretched beyond our comfort zone, we can become weak. When God calls Abram to leave Haran it is because leaving comes with a promise, the promise of Canaan.
Dear One, are you wrestling with the call to leave something? Are you struggling with whether to leave a job, a bad habit or some other untenable situation? Then go to the Source. Read the word and let it speak to your situation. If the call is from God, it is because leaving comes with a promise for you. He who orders your steps has a plan to refresh and expand your territory. Letting go will be challenging and frightening but that is the path to your promise, to your Canaan. For it is the LORD who promises, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (Psalm 32:8). Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your heart, leave and move towards your promise by faith. AMEN.