The Journey of Faith: Leaving the Familiar

Written By Aaron Shuford

“The Lord said to Abram, Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”

— Genesis 12:1, NIV

Abram’s journey of faith began with a call from God to follow Him into the unknown. 

Going means leaving. Leaving people, places, and things behind. God calls Abram to go—which also meant leaving everything familiar and comfortable in his life.

“So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…”

— Genesis 12:4, NIV

Did Abram prepare? Did he hesitate? Did he have doubts? All we know is that he stepped into the unknown in obedience to God. 

The Lord said go.

Abram went.

But, Abram was not alone. He carried an experience with the living God and a promise like a flame into the dark.

Your journey of faith—trusting and following God—will not be without difficulty or surprises, but never forget:

  • God has called you to walk a path He has already laid before you

  • His presence and His Word will light your path

  • God always keeps promises—even if He takes longer than we would like

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”

— Hebrews 11:8, NIV

Reflection & Discussion

  • Where is God calling you follow him in faith out of the familiar into the unknown? Out of safety into the wild?

  • What comforts of home might you need to leave behind? (physical / psychological / spiritual)

  • What are you most afraid to leave in your pursuit of God?

Aaron Shuford
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