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Christian Service
Abraham a Worthy Example
It was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small
sacrifice that was required of him. There were strong ties to bind him
to his country, his kindred, and his home. But he did not hesitate
to obey the call. He had no question to ask concerning the Land
of Promise,—whether the soil was fertile, and the climate healthful;
whether the country offered agreeable surroundings, and would afford
opportunities for amassing wealth. God had spoken, and His servant
must obey; the happiest place on earth for him was the place where
God would have him to be.
Many are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear the voice
of God speaking directly from the heavens, but He calls them by the
teachings of His Word and the events of this providence. They may be
required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor, to leave
congenial and profitable associations, and separate from kindred, to
enter upon what appears to be only a path of self-denial, hardship, and
sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; but a life of ease and the
influence of friends and kindred would hinder the development of the
very traits essential for its accomplishment. He calls them away from
human influences and aid, and leads them to feel the need of His help,
and to depend upon Him alone, that He may reveal Himself to them.
Who is ready at the call of Providence to renounce cherished plans
and familiar associations? Who will accept new duties and enter
untried fields, doing God’s work with firm and willing hearts, for
Christ’s sake counting His losses again? He who will do this has the
faith of Abraham, and will share with him that “far more exceeding
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and eternal weight of glory,” with which “the sufferings of this present
time are not worthy to be compared.”—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 126,
127
.
What Doest Thou Here?
Much depends on the unceasing activity of those who are true
and loyal; and for this reason Satan puts forth every possible effort to
thwart the divine purpose to be wrought out through the obedient. He
causes some to lose sight of their high and holy mission, and to become
satisfied with the pleasures of this life. He leads them to settle down at