The Obedience of Faith: “Whatever… Whenever… Wherever… LORD”

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.  And he went out, not knowing where he was going.”

Hebrews 11:8

I can’t imagine the level of faith Abraham exercised when he left his home—to go to where only God knew.   All he had to go on was the word “leave.”   He was leaving everything permanent, familiar, and comfortable, with the certainty that wherever he went it would be a nomadic, unfamiliar, and uncomfortable life.  His missionary call was like no other.  

As extraordinary as it was, it fits the classic definition of a missionary call: one who is sent off (apóstolos).  In a general sense, all disciples of Jesus are “sent ones” (John 20:21) and are called to follow him wherever he goes (Luke 9:57-58).   However, the unique missionary call is to leave all that is known in the home culture, go to a foreign culture, and make a new home for the sake of the gospel. 

If you are hearing this missionary call you must obey it.  Whenever the LORD calls, whatever he wants, and wherever he sends, the answer must be “Yes, LORD.”

Obedience will only rise to our level of faith.  Abraham had great faith that allowed his obedience to the Lord to rise to the level of “whatever, whenever, and wherever.” God calls us to a measure of faith that will be shown by our going out—not on a limb, but on his sure promises.  By faith, Abraham obeyed and went out not knowing where he was going.  You know the rest of the story of the Lord’s faithfulness.

How is God calling you to obey by faith?   By your going out in the obedience of faith, what story may the Lord be writing of his faithfulness?

Go—by faith, saying, “Yes, LORD, I’ll do whatever you call me to do and I’ll go wherever and whenever you send me.”