The message of God came to Abraham, ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.’ Abraham must be separated from the influence of relatives and friends. His character must be distinct, differing from all the world. He could not even explain his action so that his friends would understand. His idolatrous family did not comprehend his motives.
“Abraham’s unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith in all the Bible. 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 sojourned in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob.’
“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 asked no 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 was Abraham. 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 more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’” (Beginning of the End, p. 52, 53)

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