We need to continually be reminded of the details of God's calling that are unveiled over time. It is a curious thing though how we assume our story should be so different from that of those who have gone before us. That is, we assume the unveiling of God' plan, specific to our calling, needs to come all at once, when we could never find or show He has ever done that with anyone before us.
Abram's story was hardly an exception to this principle. As God called him away from family and lands, He made a promise (12:2-3) to make of Abram a great nation, great name, blessing, cursing on those who curse. All this hinges on Abram having offspring (12:7). And of course the land would be his too. But in chapter 13, amidst the strife between Abram and Lot's men, the Lord's plan isn't apparent until after Abram and Lot's conflict is resolved. And if we didn't read further we may get the sense that God has somehow let Abram down, that His promise will never come to pass. But actually this change of scenery, this abrupt change of company for Abram only truly broadened his understanding of the land promised to him. Too, the scope of his offspring was clarified in the phrase, "as the dust of the earth." Point is, God will reveal things over time and no changes we face should reflect a change to God, or to His plan. His all-wise, purposes, the details He at times withholds and eventually clarifies, is completely at His jurisdiction, until He determines it necessary.
And so let not the season of change in our lives give us the impression that God has changed, or changed His plan. Let them not create in us a doubt or distrust in Him. Indeed, even in the confusion and chaos we experience that disorients us from what we knew, God is at work. And in that process He will only refine us, clarify His plan and direction, even as He reveals increasing measures of Himself. All for our joy in His glory.
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