As a military spouse, I can sort of relate to today’s key verses. Part of the unknowns we live with are duty station changes and multiple major moves. Most of us rarely have any say in where we’re headed next or how long we stay somewhere. We just pack up when Uncle Sam says to pack! However, I’ve always believed that those moves are moves God directs for us, too. It’s not an arbitrary thing— and that belief helps me wait with expectation. If God is moving us somewhere, then He has something for us there. This includes a church family, opportunities to serve, and more.  

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God had good things for Abram when he was called out of Ur and away from his family. God’s call is never without purpose. Abram’s life would change forever on the other side of obedience. He would get a new name, a new son, and a new legacy. But walking out a calling from God can be challenging, even if we know there’s good on the other side. The Bible doesn’t tell us whether Abram had any questions, doubts, or fears in the process of being obedient, or what it would be like to face the questions or speculations of others. It’s also worth a mention that scholarly opinion is mixed on how much they think Abram knew of the one true God before this call. It’s possible Abram didn’t really know anything about God when God called him. That’s part of what makes his response so remarkable. Even if he did have doubts or questions unanswered, Abram went when God called.  

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Abram’s obedience was simple but profound at the same time. It reminds me of a sermon clip I heard recently online. The pastor told of a church member who won Hell’s Kitchen by simply responding, “Yes, Chef,” every time Gordon Ramsay gave direction—no arguing, no hesitation. The pastor challenged his congregation to do the same with God’s Word: when our Master speaks, we respond, “Yes, Lord.” We can take that same posture today. Whatever the call is, if God called you to it, God’s got it. Equipping often comes on the other side of our yes, not beforehand. God equips us for what He calls us to.  

Abram’s obedience wasn’t instant comfort or a smooth journey. It was a journey of trust. We face those same crossroads today. But why should I be afraid to move when God calls? I have known Jesus a long time for myself, and I’m surrounded by a church family full of stories of God moves - blessings, faith in action, radical conversions, healing and more. Blessing and growth wait on the other side of obedience.

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Today, I challenge you to think about what could be waiting for you on the other side of obedience. Where might God be asking you to say, “Yes, Lord,” maybe even before you know what’s next?  

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At the same time, while the goal should be to get faster with our “Yes, Lord,” remember that God’s not too big for your questions or doubts. Take them to Him. If you feel like you’re struggling to get clarity on something God is asking of you, pray honestly about it, but also don’t be afraid to seek counsel and prayers from Jesus-loving community. Sometimes in my own life, clarity has come on the other side of the vulnerability of asking folks to walk with me. It’s almost like God designed us to be inter-dependent!  

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Whatever obedience looks like for you right now, know that God’s already waiting on the other side of it. Lord, help us to say yes even when we can’t see the full picture, trusting that You’re already there.