Abraham (Abram) lived many years ago; well before missionaries existed as we think of them today. However, there are many facets of Abraham’s life and relationship to God that are at the very center of missions. Read Genesis 12:1-4. When we use missions in a very broad sense, it could be said that the passage is the first recorded history of a missionary. God called Abraham to leave his home and go to another culture – just like your experience this week. While you had some idea of what part of the world you were traveling to this week, God told Abraham to simply puck up and leave. God would later show him where in the world he was taking him. But as with Abraham, there are a lot of “unknowns” about this week.
Certainly, Abraham had some fear and questions about where God was calling him to go. What awaited him along the way at his final destination? What new things would Abraham be forced to learn? What language barriers would he face? Would he be accepted? Like Abraham, you no doubt have the same questions and possible fears. Read Genesis 15:1. God speaks some powerful words to Abraham to calm his fear. God declares both protection and reward for Abraham’s obedience.
Genesis 12:1-4
List some “unknowns” in your thoughts as you embark on your mission experience.
Genesis 15:1
How do these words help you deal with the “unknowns” you face?
Day 3 of 8 from the 2007 Mission Discovery Devotional
