Fine Print: Die Daily — Thursday
Genesis 12:1
The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” (NLT)
My wife and I are taking a vacation (without the kids) this summer. If you know me, you know how much I love planning. I’ve got all the basics planned out: flights, hotels, rental cars. I’ve got a document on my phone with all the confirmation numbers, times, and locations. That document also has a daily itinerary, dining reservation times, and our approximate budget for the trip. I also have a list of potential alternate activities, restaurants, and places to visit. Yes, I may have a bit of a problem. But truth be told, I love planning my vacation almost as much as I love going on it. Thankfully, my wife puts up with me and is content to let me plan everything!
If you’re anything like me, your planning extends much further than trips and vacations. Those who know me well might say I’m a bit of a control freak. Whether it’s planning trips or my day-to-day life, planning gives me an illusion of security. It makes me feel like I’m in control.
This may sound strange, but to me, today’s verse might be one of the scariest examples of denying self in the Bible. It’s true—people have been asked to do much harder things than to simply move. But it’s the lack of information and details that make me anxious. He isn’t given a location. God simply says to “go to the land that I will show you.” He doesn’t have a GPS giving him turn-by-turn instructions. He doesn’t have a map showing him an approximate path. He isn’t even told how long the journey will take. He’s simply given one directive: “Go.”
Denying self is more than saying “no” to your desires. At its foundation, it’s the act of giving God full reign over your life. Abraham left everything he knew because he trusted God and followed Him without reservation. He knew his own plans were nothing compared to what God had planned for him.
Thursday’s Reflection
What is God asking you to do today? Is He asking you to be a mentor or to volunteer in some other area? Is He urging you to step into the waters of baptism? Even though you may not have all the details or it may not make sense, pray for the courage to say “yes.”