Make a Move

Key Scripture

Hebrews 11:8 (ESV) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Sermon in One Sentence

Genuine faith is not passive assent but active obedience, calling us to move in trust, even when the destination is unseen.

Introduction

How many of you have ever felt stuck? Perhaps it's a nagging feeling about your career, a relationship that needs attention, a spiritual rut, or even just a sense that life is passing you by while you remain squarely in your comfort zone. We often talk about "taking a leap of faith," but for many, the mere thought of moving from the known to the unknown can be paralyzing. We yearn for change, for progress, for a deeper walk with God, but the inertia of our current situation often keeps us anchored.

The Christian life, however, is anything but static. From the moment of conversion, we are called into a dynamic relationship with a living God who is constantly inviting us forward. This divine invitation is not always clear-cut; sometimes, it requires us to step out without a detailed roadmap. The question then becomes: will we respond to God's call with active faith, or will we allow fear, complacency, or an incomplete vision to keep us from the abundant life He has for us?

Today, we're going to explore what it means to "Make a Move" in our faith journey, drawing inspiration from one of history's greatest examples of obedient trust. We'll discover that moving with God often means moving before we have all the answers, trusting in the One who does.

Historical & Biblical Context

Our key passage comes from Hebrews 11, often called the "Faith Hall of Fame." This chapter meticulously lists heroes of faith from the Old Testament, showcasing their exemplary trust in God, often in the face of daunting circumstances or uncertain futures. The book of Hebrews itself was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and temptation to revert to Judaism. The author's primary aim was to demonstrate the superiority of Christ and the new covenant over the old, encouraging his readers to persevere in their faith and not fall away. By presenting these historical figures, the author illustrates that "faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1). Abraham, as a pivotal figure in Israel's history and the patriarch of their faith, serves as a paramount example of radical obedience and trust, making him an ideal case study for those wrestling with the call to step out in faith. His story here is not merely historical anecdote; it's a powerful challenge to every generation of believers to embrace a faith that moves.

Main Point I — Hear the Call

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8a By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.

Before any move can be made, there must be a call to move. Our passage explicitly states that Abraham "obeyed when he was called." This isn't just a suggestion or a gentle nudging; it's a divine imperative from God Himself. In Genesis 12:1, God tells Abraham, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you." This was no small request. It demanded Abraham leave behind everything familiar: his homeland, his family, his cultural identity, and the security of his past. For us, hearing God's call isn't always as dramatic as a direct audible voice, but it often comes through His Word, the wise counsel of others, or a persistent prompting of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

The challenge for us today is not just to hear a call, but to discern God's call amidst the plethora of voices vying for our attention. Society, our own desires, past hurts, and even well-meaning friends can all issue calls. But God's call is unique; it often demands stepping out of comfort, sacrificing personal ambition for His glory, and sometimes, it feels counter-intuitive. Abraham's obedience was rooted in his identification of God's voice, not merely a desire for adventure. We must cultivate a spiritual sensitivity to recognize God's specific invitations in our lives – whether it's to serve, to forgive, to share the Gospel, or to change a detrimental habit. When God calls, true faith responds with obedience, even when the destination is veiled.

Main Point II — Hold the Trust

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8b And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

This is perhaps the most challenging aspect of making a move: doing so without a fully illuminated path. Abraham "went out, not knowing where he was going." Think about that for a moment. He left everything he knew, with no GPS, no detailed maps, no pre-booked accommodations, and no guarantees beyond the character of the One who called him. This wasn't recklessness; it was profound trust. Abraham's faith wasn't in a perfectly laid-out plan; it was in the perfect Planner. His trust wasn't in his own ability to navigate the unknown, but in God's unerring guidance. This is a crucial distinction for us, as we often delay obedience until we can visualize every step, calculate every risk, and assure every outcome.

Genuine faith operates on the principle that God's presence is our ultimate provision, and His promise is our ultimate security. When God calls us to move, He doesn't always provide a detailed itinerary. Often, He only reveals the next single step. We are asked to trust that if He has called us to it, He will see us through it. This trust means surrendering our need for certainty and embracing divine mystery. It means believing that even if we can't see around the bend, God already has, and His ways are always good. To make a move with God requires us to hold fast to the trustworthiness of His character, even when our circumstances are shrouded in ambiguity.

Main Point III — Honor the Purpose

Scripture: Hebrews 11:8c ...to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance.

Abraham's obedience was deeply intertwined with God's ultimate purpose for him: an inheritance. While he "went out, not knowing where he was going," he did know why he was going: to receive God's promised blessing and become the father of a great nation. This understanding of divine purpose fueled his journey. It wasn't just aimless wandering; it was purposeful progression toward God's intended destination for his life. Abraham recognized that God's call was not just for his benefit but for a greater redemptive plan that would bless all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:3). His move was part of God's grand design.

Similarly, our moves of faith are not isolated acts of personal improvement but contributions to God's unfolding kingdom. Every call God makes on our lives, every uncomfortable step of obedience, is tethered to His overarching purpose for us and for the world. Whether it's a call to forgive, to serve, to share our faith, or to embark on a new ministry, there is always a divine purpose behind it – an "inheritance" of spiritual blessing, impact, and growth. When we honor God's purpose, we understand that our obedience is not just about our personal journey, but about participating in something far greater than ourselves. It transforms fearful steps into purposeful strides, because we know that God’s destination for us is always good and always aligned with His glorious plan.

Illustration

In the early 20th century, a young man named Eric Liddell, an Olympic runner from Scotland, faced a profound choice. At the 1924 Paris Olympics, he was favored to win the 100-meter sprint. However, when the schedule was released, he discovered the heats for his race were on a Sunday. As a devout Christian, Liddell believed Sunday was to be reserved for worship and rest. Despite immense pressure from his country, his coaches, and the public, Eric Liddell refused to run on the Sabbath. It was a move born of conviction, an act of faith. He didn't know what would happen next; he only knew he had to honor God above all else. Instead, he made a last-minute decision to run the 400-meter race, an event he was less familiar with. Against all expectations, he not only ran, but he also won the gold medal, setting a new world record. His story, immortalized in the film Chariots of Fire, demonstrates that making a move in obedience to God, even when it seems to jeopardize earthly success or invites criticism, can lead to unexpected blessings and ultimately, honor God in profound ways. Liddell didn't see the gold medal when he heard the call to honor the Sabbath, but he moved anyway, trusting a greater purpose.

Practical Application

1. Identify Your "Ur of the Chaldeans": Take time this week to prayerfully consider what areas God might be calling you to leave behind – it could be an unhealthy habit, a limiting belief, a comfort zone, or a past resentment. Discern what needs to be released for God to move you forward.
2. Practice Progressive Obedience: Start with the "next step" God is revealing, even if the full path is unclear. Don't wait for certainty; step out in faith on the small things, building your "trust muscles" for larger calls.
3. Dwell on God's Character, Not Your Circumstances: When fear of the unknown arises, intentionally shift your focus from your lack of understanding to God's unfailing faithfulness, His wisdom, and His perfect love. Meditate on scriptures that affirm His trustworthy nature.
4. Connect Your Movement to God's Mission: Understand that your personal obedience is never just about you. Ask God to show you how your "move" contributes to His broader kingdom work and how it can bring glory to Christ and bless others.
5. Seek Wise Counsel and Prayer Support: Share your discerning journey with trusted spiritual mentors or accountability partners. Allow them to pray for you, offer objective insights, and encourage you as you prepare to make your move of faith.

Discussion Questions

1. What "calls" from God do you feel you might be hearing in your life right now, and how are you discerning their source?
2. In what specific area or decision do you find yourself wanting more certainty from God before you're willing to make a move of faith?
3. How can focusing on God's character more effectively help us trust Him when we "don't know where we are going"?
4. Beyond personal benefit, what larger purpose do you believe God has for you in making a particular move of faith?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your unwavering presence and Your constant call to a deeper walk with You. Forgive us for our hesitation, our doubt, and our fear of the unknown. Grant us the courage of Abraham, that we may hear Your voice, hold fast to Your trustworthiness, and honor Your divine purpose in every step we take. Empower us by Your Spirit to make the moves You are calling us to, trusting that Your way is always best. Amen.

Benediction

Now go forth, believing that the God who called Abraham is calling you, and may His grace and peace equip you to make moves of faith, not knowing where you are going, but knowing who goes with you.