"Now the Lord...said to Abram."            

Ge 12:1 NKJV

Abraham had the ability to hear God's voice. "Now the Lord...said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you.'" Abraham couldn't turn to the Scriptures for guidance, and there were no prophets around to say, "Thus saith the Lord." Getting it right was critical. He was being called to leave his job, his home and his security. He needed to know that the voice he was hearing was truly God's voice. This leads us to conclude that Abraham had developed a relationship with the Lord. And building a relationship takes time, effort, sensitivity and commitment. Others may counsel you and confirm what God is telling you, but ultimately you must learn to hear from God for yourself. Nothing increases your confidence like knowing God has given you clear direction for your life.

Author Gary Thomas says he and his wife prayed extensively about buying a house and gave God many opportunities to close the door. Five years later, when the house was worth considerably less than they paid for it, they asked God, "Why didn't You stop us?" At that point God's Spirit whispered, "Have you ever considered the possibility that I wanted you in that neighborhood to minister there, rather than to boost your financial equity?" God didn't tell Abraham, "Stay here, and I'll make you even richer." No, He said, "Get out." Yes, he became rich. But does obedience obligate God to bless us in the way we think He should, or can it call us to sacrifice? Think about the cross before you answer that one!