3 - Promise: When God Calls Us Forward

SERMON 3 — Promise: When God Calls Us Forward

Genesis 12:1–4 Theme: Faith means stepping into what we cannot yet see.

Opening

Have you ever noticed that God rarely gives us the whole plan? He gives us… just enough.

Just enough light for the next step. Just enough courage for the next decision. Just enough grace for the next day.

And honestly, most of us would prefer a detailed itinerary. Color‑coded. With hotel reservations. And maybe a weather forecast.

But God doesn’t work like Expedia. He works like a Father who says, “Take My hand. Let’s walk.”

That’s the heart of Genesis 12.

Walking Into the Text

God says to Abram:

“Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” (Genesis 12:1)

Notice what’s missing? A map. A destination. A timeline.

God doesn’t say, “Go to Canaan. It’s lovely this time of year.” He says, “Go… and I’ll show you.”

Faith is stepping into what we cannot yet see.

Illustration: The Flashlight

Think about walking outside at night with a flashlight. You don’t get the whole yard. You get a circle of light—just enough for the next step.

If you wait for the whole yard to light up, you’ll never move.

God leads like that. Not with floodlights… but with flashlights.

A Little Humor

Someone once told me, “I asked God for a sign, and all I got was a blinking cursor on my computer.”

Honestly? That’s about right. God rarely gives us billboards. He gives us nudges.

Abram’s Journey

Abram is 75 years old when God calls him. Seventy‑five!

Most people at 75 are thinking about downsizing, not relocating to an unnamed country with no GPS.

But Abram goes. Not because he sees the future, but because he trusts the One who holds it.

And that’s the invitation for us.

Illustration: The Moving Boxes

I once helped a family move. They had boxes labeled: “Kitchen,” “Books,” “Bathroom,” and one that said, “Miscellaneous Regrets.”

We all have those boxes. And sometimes God says, “It’s time to leave some of those behind.”

Abram had to leave comfort, familiarity, and predictability. Not because God was taking something away— but because God was giving something better.

Connecting to the Series Theme

Week 1: Dust — God begins with what’s humble. Week 2: Wilderness — God forms us in hard places. Week 3: Promise — God calls us forward into what we cannot yet see.

This is the movement of Lent: from honesty, to formation, to obedience.

From Dust to Dawn, God keeps calling us forward.

Three Truths About God’s Call

1. God’s call is personal.

He doesn’t say, “Human, go.” He says, “Abram.” He knows your name too.

2. God’s call is disruptive.

It interrupts routines, comfort, and predictability. But disruption is often the doorway to destiny.

3. God’s call is purposeful.

God doesn’t move you to confuse you. He moves you to grow you.

Illustration: The Bridge You Can’t See

There’s a bridge in Japan that looks like it drops off into nothing. From a distance, it’s terrifying. But when you get closer, you see the road continues.

Faith is like that. From far away, it looks impossible. But once you step forward, you realize God already built the bridge.

Application: Where Is God Calling You Forward?

1. A relationship that needs healing

You don’t see how it will work— but God says, “Take the first step.”

2. A habit that needs breaking

You don’t see the freedom yet— but God says, “Start walking.”

3. A calling that feels too big

You don’t see the outcome— but God says, “Trust Me.”

4. A fear that keeps you stuck

You don’t see the path— but God says, “I’ll show you.”

Faith isn’t seeing the whole picture. It’s trusting the One who paints it.

A Gentle Turn Toward Hope

Abram didn’t know where he was going. But he knew Who he was following.

And that was enough.

It’s enough for you too.

God is not calling you into the unknown. He’s calling you into His promise.

Closing Prayer

Lord, Thank You for calling us forward even when we cannot see the whole path. Give us the courage of Abram— to step, to trust, to follow. Where we cling to comfort, loosen our grip. Where we fear the unknown, steady our hearts. Lead us from dust to wilderness, from wilderness to promise, and from promise toward the dawn You are preparing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.