Read Acts 7:1-8

                                   Calling You Out

Moving out of our comfort zone is usually not something we arbitrarily do.  Most often there is a catalyst in the form of circumstances and/or teachings that inspire us beyond our present borders. 

Abram made a radical move because of what God spoke to him. (Genesis 12)  I do not know in what particular way God spoke to Abram, but there are four things I can be pretty sure of:

1. Apparently the message from God was clear
2. Obedience to God was a high priority for Abram
3. ‘Trusting God’ was Abram’s mode of operation
4. He embraced the big picture of “God is in control”

Abram must have known there would be some rough road ahead.  As a matter of fact, he was not guaranteed any immediate reward.  He did encounter some real hassles (packing and moving, famine, Egyptians, strife among herdsmen, and evil kings). 

There was a promise of deliverance and a hope, and even if the benefits would not necessarily be for himself personally but rather for his descendants, he considered obedience the best option. He had faith that God was doing a good thing!  What would have happened if Abram’s mindset had been, “What’s in it for me?”  He probably would not have obeyed in the first place!  When Abram obeyed, others were blessed.  èThis is an over-arching principle:  when we obey, others are blessed.  When we sin, we damage not only ourselves, but others as well. 

Is God calling you out of a comfort zone?  There are a wide variety of possibilities:

·         Into or out of a certain job and/or  ministry

·         Away from or toward certain people, activities, or habits

·         Out of a self-focused, self-serving mindset into greater focus on His kingdom purposes and loving others well

It is always a matter of seeking God’s leading and direction, obeying what He has already told you to do, and faithfully trusting in His goodness and His good intentions.

If God is calling you out, it is likely you are being invited to be one of His agents of blessing!  Today, in what area do you think He is ‘calling you out’?  ___________________________________________________________  

How might others be blessed if you choose to obey? ___________________________________________________________

            In what ways might this help you know God better? ___________________________________________________________

Read and Pray:  Genesis 15:1-6, 22:18, 26:1-6, Isaiah 42:5-6, Romans 8:27-28