Faith is a journey. It’s not just a single decision but a series of steps, sometimes following familiar paths and other times stepping into the unknown. The story of Abraham, one of the greatest figures in scripture, reflects this reality. He didn’t start his journey in the Promised Land, nor was he even called from his original home in Ur. Instead, his journey took a detour—through a place called Haran.
And Haran, as comfortable as it may have been, was never the final destination.
The Journey Begins: From Ur to Haran
In Genesis 12:1, God commands Abraham (then Abram),
“Get out of your country, from your kindred and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.”
Many believe that Abraham was called while living in Ur, but a closer look at scripture tells a different story. His father, Terah, had already started the journey toward Canaan but settled in Haran instead of continuing forward. The route they took was logical—following the river.
Rivers provide life, sustenance, and safety, especially in the arid lands of the ancient Near East. Traveling directly across the desert would have been perilous. So instead of heading straight for Canaan, Terah led his family along the water’s edge. And when they reached Haran, they stayed.
But comfort is not always calling.
God’s call to Abraham came after he had settled in Haran, challenging him to leave the place that had become home, the place where his father had stopped short. What was once a good decision—a wise resting place—was now a hindrance to God’s greater purpose.
Following the River vs. Following Faith
Many of us follow the same pattern in life. We make decisions based on security, logic, and what seems beneficial at the time. We stick to what “works” because it feels safe.
• Some people seek meaning through relationships.
• Others chase success in their careers.
• Some pursue spirituality through personal experiences—meditation, psychedelics, or new-age ideas.
• Others throw themselves into fitness, self-improvement, or financial security.
These things may serve as stepping stones along the way, but they are not the final destination. They bring us closer to truth, but if we hold onto them too tightly, they become distractions rather than paths forward.
Eventually, just like Abraham, God calls us to step away from what is safe and into the unknown—to walk not by sight, but by faith.
Letting Go of the Stepping Stones
One of the hardest lessons in faith is realizing that what once helped us can no longer sustain us.
A striking example of this comes from Numbers 21:8-9, when the Israelites were suffering from a plague of venomous snakes. God commanded Moses to build a bronze serpent and lift it up, so that anyone who looked upon it would be healed.
It was a miraculous moment. But centuries later, in the time of King Hezekiah, Israel was still worshipping that same bronze serpent, burning incense to it as if it had power in itself. What was once a tool of deliverance had become an idol.
The same can happen in our lives. We hold on to what helped us in the past—habits, beliefs, even people—thinking they will always be essential. But God calls us to move forward.
A simple example is music. Many people find their faith strengthened by changing the kind of music they listen to. Some songs, once meaningful, lose their relevance as they grow in their faith. What once drew them closer to God becomes something to leave behind. Not because it was wrong, but because it was a stepping stone, not the final destination.
The Narrowing Path
Faith isn’t a broad road; it’s a path that gets narrower over time.
At first, God gives us space. He allows us to walk along the river, to take time to learn and grow. But step by step, He calls us closer. And as we walk, He asks us to let go—of old habits, old securities, and old ways of thinking.
• “Do you want more of me?” He asks.
• “Yes, Lord.”
• “Then take another step forward—and let go of what’s behind.”
Each step can feel tighter, more uncomfortable. But the further we walk, the lighter we become. The closer we get to God, the less we need to carry.
Leaving Haran: The Final Step of Trust
In the end, Abraham had to leave Haran. He could have stayed, lived a good life by the river, and built a strong future. But God was not in Haran. He was in the land of promise, calling Abraham to a new home.
Haran was never meant to be the final destination.
And neither is our comfort zone.
Faith is stepping into the unknown, trusting that the One who led us this far will continue to provide. It’s believing that while the next step may not look appealing, the presence of God is worth the journey.
So the question is:
Are we willing to leave Haran?
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