Abraham and family of origin

Is our separation from family a result of pursuing God’s calling? Or, is our separation from family a bitter flight?

Bible Reference - Genesis 12 “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’”

Story Recap - Abram lived in an area called Haran. God calls Abram to leave for Canaan. He leaves with his wife, nephew and their possessions.

Reflection -
Today’s timing and technology bring interesting circumstances to family relationships today. In Abram’s time, he is called and leaves. There is not the technology or mail system to allow for ongoing communication.

Who knows how Abram would have operated with the extended family he left in Haran if he had been able. It is worthy to note however that in his context, he did not. The Lord had him leave a living family to pursue a greater calling.

Many stand by missionaries as they physically leave family to pursue God’s calling in their life. Few stand by those who leave extended family “by choice” to pursue God’s calling in their life. It saddens me that instead of questions of conviction and clarification, people who love the Lord and are surrounded by abusers trying to thwart their calling (or very person) are left justifying their love of God and forgiveness of a past. Instead of clarifying and pursuing a calling of God and moving boldly ahead, they are justifying a calling and change in direction.

Of course, this principle could be taken out of context. We can’t always just “up an leave” family. As they did in the epistles, we need to be sure THEY aren’t our calling. Are they destitute? Do they have needs that we can offer (and they will take)? Have we received counsel? Are we truly pursuing God’s calling elsewhere or fleeing God’s calling like Jonah?

Prayer -
Lord, help us live in honesty with ourselves and others. Help us not to flee ministries we can provide to our family. Encourage us when the help we try to provide is not taken or fled from (ie. prodigal son). Give us a soft and open heart for you. Give us the passion and confidence to pursue the vision you have for us. Keep us from living our life justifying our calling rather than pursuing it. Keep us from anger at those who misunderstand the depth, gravity and sorrow of the situation. In fact, allow us to be grateful for those who question ... thankful for the righteous desire that we would not be self-deceived and that needy ones be neglected in a godly rouse. Keep us always humble and thoughtful ourselves.