Get Out of Your Box

Know that as I write this, it’s also something that I’m trying to teach myself. So the audience that I gear this message for is me.

When God appeared to Abram in a vision, Abram was worried that he would not have any offspring to inherit his household.

And he [God] brought him outside and said, “Look towards heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them,” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 

-Genesis 15:5

I almost missed the beauty of this passage…

In the beginning of the conversation, God and Abram spoke inside Abram’s room—a tent or something. To Abram, the tent was safe, familiar to his sight, and comfortable. This tent represents how Abram sees his future; he restricts himself with his own small box. The tent constricts him from seeing God’s bigger picture. Abram can only envision what he thinks he’s capable of doing; and at the moment, he and his wife were too old to have a son.  

This is why God brought Abram OUTSIDE of the tent. The stars in the sky represent God’s vision for Abram's future. Compare the two: God’s vision and Abram’s. Big difference, right?

Remember though, GOD brought Abram outside his tent. Only God can take you out of your box and show you his future plans for you.

I imprisoned myself with fear, insecurities, and low expectations. Yet at the same time, I felt comfortable and safe in that prison that I created. If it weren't for God's intervention, I'd still be trapped by my own box. God dragged me out of my comfort zone so I can see my future in his eyes. It’s more grand, beautiful, and majestic than my mind can ever wrap around.

Honestly, God never gave me visions or any supernatural appearances. But since I've left Los Angeles, God speaks to me through scripture, sermons, and encouraging sisters in Christ. Learning more about God's love has sustained me in ways that I would never be able to imagine. I never thought that I was able to read Scripture and fall in love with it. I genuinely have freedom and sustainable happiness through Christ.

I encourage you to step out of your tent and see what God has in store for you. Trust me, it’s better than how you envision your future.