Abraham’s Journey of Following God

See how Abraham’s journey of following God into the unknown and the example of early pioneers reveal that true security comes from trusting God to guide, protect, and sustain every step.

“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1).

Pioneers arriving in the American plains in the 1800’s faced constant peril: droughts, storms, violence, and chaotic conditions. Most settlers had few possessions, and they struggled with loneliness.

In her book about pioneering women in Kansas, Joanna Stratton described how the Christian faith enabled many families to survive in these circumstances. They realized they could not depend on their own strength, and instead, they trusted God to give them guidance, protection, and wisdom.

These pioneers included the family of Nutter and Nancy Murphy. Their daughter Lydia recalled how on October 21, 1859, they drove into the tiny town of Shawnee, Kansas. Their best option for accommodations was to rent the front rooms of “a large ramshackle place,” moving whiskey barrels to make room for themselves.

On that first day, they dedicated their new home to God with their family “gathered around the table, seated on boxes and improvised chairs.” For many years, they continued to read the Bible and pray together every morning and evening. Following the pioneering example of Abraham’s journey of faith, this family knew they must depend upon God for everything.

In our modern world, many place their trust in governments or businesses, financial resources or armies. But the key to success is having faith in God, letting Him guide, protect, and bless you. Place your trust in Him.

Reflection Question: Am I truly trusting God to guide my next steps?