Today’s Devotional: “Faith To Hang Tough”

There will be times when our faith is tested, not only in God but also in God’s calling and in the place He has called us to carry out His ministry.

Consider Abraham’s testimony.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8-10)

Twice, however, Abraham questioned and left God’s placement.

Because of a famine, Abraham left the land promised by God and went to Egypt, essentially disregarding God’s call, and as a result God was not glorified (Genesis 12). Not learning his lesson the first time, Abraham went into the land of Gerar when famine hit again and did the exact same thing (Genesis 20).

There will be times when we’re tempted to quit or move somewhere else just to escape the problems. But no matter where we go, we take the problems with us, and the same problems arise.

Instead, God is calling us to persevere through these trials of our faith.

“Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it … Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.” (1 Corinthians 7:20-21, 24)

Several times I’ve thought about just giving up and going somewhere where I don’t have to deal with all the problems and where I can fulfill God’s call without the hassles. But God has called me where I am, and here I’ll stay until He calls me away.