Going On the Way

We are not told this man’s name. We only know he was a trusted servant of Abraham who was concerned to find a wife for his son Isaac from his own kin. The servant swore an oath to Abraham that he would go on this journey, but if you read from the beginning of the chapter you’ll see he had some concerns. However, it’s clear that he knew God for himself, and talked with Him and asked for guidance at critical moments in his quest.

When he realised that God had indeed guided him to the right wife for Isaac he was quick to give thanks to God. He recognised what had come to pass was the result of going in the way of obedience and faith. He’d been given the commission, but he had to put that into action – he had to go. It wouldn’t have been any good staying where he was and praying daily for God to send the right woman. Faith without action isn’t really faith at all.

The challenge for me, and perhaps for you, is to get going with what God has told us to do. We know that God leads one step at a time, but in reality we’re often expecting Him to provide a detailed route map. The Christian walk isn’t like that at all, at least not in my experience. As a result too many believers are sitting around waiting for more information from God. They don’t ‘go’ at all, but are still where they were before God told them what He wanted them to do. We don’t see the next step until we have taken the first! But where, how?

It’s a bit like herding cows when they’re lying down. The farmer wants them through the gate in the field, but he knows it’s no point in aiming for that straight away. The first step is to get them up and moving (anywhere), and then he can steer them in the right direction. For Abraham’s servant, he found that the key was ‘going on the way’. For us it’s often the same. We need to get up and moving for God, and He’ll lead us to that first step He told us about, maybe years ago. God acts when we go in the way of obedience and faith.

Perhaps God has spoken to you about something he wanted you to do years ago. Instead of acting you’ve waited for more information. Ask God to show you again what He wants, and this time, go! Do it. Step out in obedience and faith. Even if the direction isn’t quite what you expected, get up and move on. For example, the Great Commission is to go into the whole world and preach the gospel. Where? To whom? How? As we start to do it (going on the way) God leads us. It’s when we’re going on the way that we can be confident that God will guide our steps.

Prayer: Lord God, I’m sorry for not being obedient to Your word at times, and staying put when You’ve said to go. For waiting for further guidance, when You’ve been waiting for me to take the first step. Please remind me afresh of Your calling on my life. And give me the courage to step out into it with You. I believe that it will be an exciting journey. One where You’ll teach me many great things about Yourself, and many deep things about myself. Lord, Your call on my life hasn’t fallen on deaf ears any longer – I’ll go where You lead. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.