STEPPING INTO THE UNKNOWN WITH GOD
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 12:4-9
Key Verse: “So Abram departed, as the LORD had spoken unto him; and Lot went with him: and Abram was seventy and five years old when he departed out of Haran.” (Genesis 12:4)
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 11:8; Proverbs 3:5-6; Isaiah 41:10; 2 Corinthians 5:7
INTRODUCTION
The journey of destiny is rarely mapped out in full detail. When Abram left Haran, he did not possess a blueprint, a GPS, or a guarantee of immediate comfort. What he had was a word from God. That word was enough to move him from familiarity into uncertainty.
Stepping into the unknown is one of the greatest tests of faith. It requires trusting God beyond visible evidence. The unknown can feel intimidating, but when God is the One leading, uncertainty becomes opportunity.
Many believers struggle at this point—the transition between promise and fulfilment. Yet it is in this space of apparent uncertainty that God reveals Himself as faithful, guiding, and sufficient.
1. OBEDIENCE PRECEDES UNDERSTANDING
God does not always explain everything before He expects movement. Faith responds before clarity is complete.
a) Immediate Response to God’s Word (Genesis 12:4)
Abram departed “as the LORD had spoken,” showing obedience without negotiation.
b) Faith Without Full Disclosure (Hebrews 11:8)
Abram went out not knowing where he was going, trusting the One who called him.
c) Trusting Beyond Logic (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Leaning on God instead of personal reasoning secures divine direction.
d) Walking by Faith, Not Sight (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Spiritual journeys are navigated by trust, not visibility.
Biblical Example:
Peter stepped out of the boat onto the water at Jesus’ word, entering the unknown because he trusted the voice that called him (Matthew 14:29).
2. THE UNKNOWN IS A TRAINING GROUND FOR TRUST
God uses unfamiliar seasons to deepen dependence on Him.
a) God’s Presence Removes Fear (Isaiah 41:10)
The unknown is less frightening when God’s presence is assured.
b) Uncertainty Develops Spiritual Maturity (James 1:3-4)
Trials refine faith and produce patience.
c) Dependence Strengthens Relationship (Exodus 13:21)
Israel followed the pillar of cloud and fire daily, relying on divine guidance.
d) God Reveals Himself Progressively (Genesis 12:7)
As Abram journeyed, the Lord appeared to him and reaffirmed His promise.
Biblical Example:
The children of Israel in the wilderness learned daily dependence on manna, trusting God’s provision in an unfamiliar land (Exodus 16:14-15).
3. ALTARS SUSTAIN YOU IN THE UNKNOWN
Spiritual consistency anchors believers during uncertain transitions.
a) Building Altars of Worship (Genesis 12:7)
Abram built an altar unto the Lord who appeared to him.
b) Public Declaration of Faith (Genesis 12:8)
He pitched his tent and built another altar, calling upon the name of the Lord.
c) Worship Before Fulfilment (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
True faith worships even before results manifest.
d) Consistency Strengthens Covenant (Psalm 34:1)
Continual praise preserves spiritual stability.
Biblical Example:
Job worshipped God even after losing everything, sustaining his faith in the midst of uncertainty (Job 1:20-21).
4. GOD LEADS STEP BY STEP
The journey into destiny is progressive. God unfolds revelation gradually.
a) Progressive Revelation (Genesis 12:9)
Abram journeyed, “going on still toward the south,” moving step by step.
b) Divine Direction Comes in Stages (Psalm 37:23)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.
c) Patience in the Process (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Every stage has its appointed time.
d) Fulfilment Requires Perseverance (Hebrews 10:36)
Patience is necessary to inherit the promise.
Biblical Example:
Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace unfolded in stages, each step guided by God’s sovereign hand (Genesis 50:20).
CONCLUSION
Stepping into the unknown with God is not a reckless act; it is a faith-filled response to divine instruction. Abram’s obedience opened the door to covenant promises and generational blessings.
The unknown becomes less intimidating when God is leading. If you will obey, trust, build altars, and move step by step, you will discover that the God who calls is also the God who sustains and fulfils.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, give me courage to step into the unknown with confidence in You, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to obey You even when I do not understand fully, in Jesus name.
3. Father, strengthen my faith in seasons of uncertainty, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, remove every fear associated with transition in my life, in Jesus name.
5. Father, teach me to walk by faith and not by sight, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, guide my steps progressively into destiny, in Jesus name.
7. Father, establish altars of worship in my journey, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, sustain me through every unfamiliar season, in Jesus name.
9. Father, reveal Yourself to me as I advance in obedience, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my stepping out produce covenant fulfilment, in Jesus name.
