2024 is officially here. I set big goals and laid out some general plans for their accomplishment. I might even pick a word of the year, something that will help me define and remind me of my intentions. I know that I will need discipline and focus to achieve the lofty goals in front of me, but there is something else. You see, something is going to come up that you didn’t plan on, something that no amount of discipline will help you overcome. Covid, for example, derailed everyone. No, I am not predicting a global pandemic in 2024, but life will happen. It might not happen to you directly, but your life will be affected by illness, accidents, employment changes, cavities, and flat tires. Someone you know will pass away, and someone else will receive a terminal diagnosis. The question is, will you give up? Is it worth it?
I am reminded of life’s troubles today in Genesis 4. This is where we are introduced to Abraham. Most of the time, we are focused on his accomplishments. I mean, he’s called “father Abraham,” meaning he is the father of many nations. You probably remember the song about his seven sons. He did great things! But, he didn’t do great things because he had a great life. No, he did great things in spite of his tough life. In this short passage, he experiences two of life’s greatest hardships; death and infertility. Both experiences can leave us feeling rejected and blaming God. But not Abraham. He pressed forward with great faith. In fact, Hebrews 11:10 describes Abraham as “ looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
Abraham is my reminder today that God is calling us. Calling, according to Frederick Buechner, is where our great joy and The worlds great need intersect. If we are to experience it, we must utilize the hardships, continually looking forward to that great city, just like Abraham.