Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

differing from all the world. He could not even explain his action so
that his friends would understand. His idolatrous family did not
understand his motives.
Abraham's unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking
evidences of faith in all the Bible (see Hebrews 11:8). Relying on
the divine promise, he abandoned home and family and native land
and went out to follow where God would lead. "By faith he dwelt in
the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with
Isaac and Jacob" (Hebrews 11:9).
There were strong ties to bind him to his country, his relatives,
and his home. But he did not hesitate to obey the call. He did not ask
questions concerning the land of promise--whether the soil was
fertile, the climate healthful. The happiest place on earth was the
place where God wanted him to be.
Many are still tested as Abraham was. They do not hear the
voice of God speaking directly from heaven, but He calls them by
the teachings of His Word and the events of His leading. They may
be required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor and
to separate from family in order to start out on what appears to be a
path of self-denial and sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; the
influence of friends and family would hinder it.
Who is ready, at the call of God, to renounce cherished plans,
accept new duties, and enter unfamiliar fields? Those who will do
this have the faith of Abraham and will share with him that "far
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