PACKING UP

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you, And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing”. Genesis 12:1-2 NASB

We are going away for a few days so my son will be keeping our dogs. I started getting their things ready last night. I washed extra food and water bowls. I got dry food, canned food, soft food and treats ready. I packed up Burt’s ear wash. He’s had a tummy problem recently so I got his meds and directions in a bag. I cut his Pepcid in half so he could get 1 1/2 tablets. I gathered harnesses and extra leashes just in case one broke. It isn’t as bad as packing when I had three little ones but it still requires a lot of thought, organization, and a lot of stuff!

I can’t imagine being Abram when he got the call to pack up and leave his home. I know that where I’m going only requires a two hour drive but God didn’t tell Abram where he was going. He was told that he would be shown where to go. But when? I usually have a destination in mind while I’m packing.

God did give him promises, though. Abram would be a great nation, he’d be blessed, his name would be great, and he’d be a blessing to others. Genesis 15:6 tells us that Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Hebrews 11 mentions Abram in the Hall of Faith saying that he obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. He made a few mistakes along the way but Abram packed up and went.

The Israelites had to pack to leave Egypt as they followed Moses to the promised land. To say that they made a few mistakes along the way would be an understatement. Their complaining made their journey into a 40 year trek in the wilderness. They could not have possibly known to pack enough for such a long journey but God caused their clothes and shoes to never wear out (Deuteronomy 29:5) and food was always provided (Exodus 16).

Are you packing for a journey? Have you made a list so you are organized and don’t forget anything? Are you ready for any adverse circumstances or weather you can’t predict? And do you know where you are headed?

We are all on this journey called life. Our destinations might not always be the same and we have choices along the way that provide twists and turns. Matthew 7:13-14 states, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it”. John 14:6 tells us how to get on the straight and narrow road to eternal life, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'”

The Bible is full of instructions for your journey. It will give you a packing list and directions so that you are on the right road with everything you need and JESUS is ALL you need! He’s waiting for you at the end of your road and has prepared a place for you (John 14:1-4) so travel light and enjoy the trip.