Where Are We Going?

Speaker: Rich Gartman

Series:

Scripture:

Main Idea:

Intro

A man was walking through a supermarket with a screaming baby in the shopping cart. A woman nearby noticed that time and again the man would calmly say: “Keep calm, Albert. Keep calm, Albert. Finally, in admiration for the man’s patience as the child continued to wail, the woman walked up to him and said: “Sir, I must commend you for your patience with baby Albert.” To which the man replied, “Madam, I am Albert!”

Bible Verse

Genesis 12 - English Standard Version

12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran

Where Ever He Says

Explanation – Point 1

In Genesis 12:1-4, we witness a profound moment in the story of Abraham, a pivotal figure in the biblical narrative. This passage encapsulates the essence of faith, obedience, and the journey of discovering one's purpose

In these verses, we encounter Abraham, called Abram at the time, receiving a divine directive from the Almighty. God's command to Abram is clear: "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you."

Imagine the weight of that instruction. It's not just about leaving a physical place; it's about leaving behind familiarity, security, and comfort. Abram is called to embark on a journey into the unknown, solely relying on the promise of God.

Isn't that often the case with our own lives? God calls us to step out of our comfort zones, to leave behind the safety of what we know, and to trust in His guidance. He doesn't always reveal the destination; instead, He asks us to trust Him one step at a time.

Illustration – Point 1

2 hunters are lost in the woods… After wandering around for a couple hours they decide to weigh their options, one says, "I heard if you shoot in the air someone will hear and come to your rescue", so they fire a few times in the air and waited, nothing happens so they try again a couple more times, after a few hours of this they're starting to get worried and one says, "I hope we get help soon", to which the other responds, "I know right, I am almost out of arrows"

Application – Point 1

Sometime we follow our own thoughts, rationals, and worldy common sence. But when we do this its like shooting arrows in the sky. It doesnt get the reaction, outcomes, or return we intend. We as a church are called to Follow God. Not to be still but step out on faith that God will provide. Its hard. Its hard for me at least. But when we combone action with prayer and the word of God it become easier and easier, but not always clear. Abram is called to go with no specifics, no certainty, and no safety net, But he follows the word of god as he should. We are to let the word of God be the guiding light.

Bible Verse – Point 2

Psalm 119:105 - English Standard Version 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

One Step At A Time

Explanation – Point 2

When Psalm 119 was written, the “lamp” referred to a candle in a lamp that people carried with them as they walked in the darkness. It was similar to how we might use a flashlight today. If you hold a flashlight and you want the light to shine further down your path, you have to take the next step.

Many times I’ve been stuck and looking for light from God for my whole path. But I’ve found that God gives us just enough light for the next step. You take that next step, and God gives you light for the step after that.

Illustration – Point 2

Application – Point 2

Bible Verse – Point 3

Proverbs 16:9 - The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Plan As We May

Explanation – Point 3

"The heart of man plans his way": This part acknowledges the human capacity for making plans. We all have dreams, desires, and goals. We strategize, set objectives, and make decisions based on our understanding and desires. Our plans reflect our intentions, ambitions, and aspirations.

"but the Lord establishes his steps": Despite our best-laid plans, this clause emphasizes that ultimate control rests with the Lord. While humans may devise their plans, it is God who determines the outcome. The word "establishes" suggests a firm, intentional action by God. He directs, guides, and orders the steps of individuals according to His sovereign will.

Illustration – Point 3

“I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it–but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor."  (Oliver Wendell Holmes).

Application – Point 3

Humility: We should approach our plans with humility, recognizing our finite understanding and the limitations of our foresight. We must acknowledge our need for God's wisdom and guidance in all our endeavors.

Trust: As we make plans, we must trust in God's providence. Even when our plans seem to falter or fail, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control. We can trust that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Flexibility: While planning is essential, we must remain open to God's redirection. His ways are higher than ours, and His plans may sometimes diverge from our own. We must be willing to adapt and follow wherever He leads.

Conclusion