Fri, Nov 16th - 3:55PM

Forsaking and Finding

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as [in] a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:  For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker [is] God.  Heb. 11:8-10

            Man has wanted to do his own forsaking and finding.  He accepted the desires of the satanic nature, and that prompted him to forsake God’s way of life that he might take his own way.  Seeking for something greater than what God has provided has been the carnal ambition since man was deceived.  Many have refused to accept the call of God because they do not care to break with those things to which their affection is attached.  Their carnal nature does not allow them to find what God has for those who let Him have His way.  The natural heart knows that if one is moved by the power of God, all that is opposed to Him is overpowered and destroyed.  Men cling desperately to those things which shall cause them to fail eternally.

            All carnal choices have desolation in them.  God is not in those things.  The Lord said to those who claimed to be Abraham’s generation, “Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.”   Had they heeded God’s warnings, that desolation would not have come.  In his early life Abram reached to find God’s presence even when those around him continued in their own ways.  He was on his way to Canaan while his father was still living.  He was called to forsake every relationship which would hinder him from finding what God had in mind for him.  He was to know God in such a powerful way that all other blessings would be secondary to him.  God’s promises exceed every other offer, for He dwells with those who take His way.

            Many have tried to find what God offers while they refused to forsake their own way.  They have tried to mix carnal interests with God’s thought.  Even what is generally called Christian wants something from the satanic side mixed with it.  That is antichrist.  The fallen man wants to instruct the Lord as to how things should be.  Many who relish the same things which sinners feed on try to think that they have God’s favor on them.  If God would let carnal men manage all things for themselves, they would be happy.

            God’s promises are fulfilled beyond where the carnal heart can go.  One must receive life from heaven if he finds what God has prepared for those who love Him.  His life is hidden in His promise, and His presence has heart-moving power.

            Abram entered the land which was to be given to his generation, but before they could enter that promised land they must forsake all carnal interests and place themselves in God’s hands just as their father Abraham had done.  No one ever regrets that he left some things when he finds the will of God for him.

This piece was written by Edwin A. Gafford and published in Devotional Readings on the Book of Hebrews, Printed by Old Paths Tract Society, Shoals, Indiana.  (No date given.)