We learn from Genesis 11:27-32 that Abram moved with his father, Terah, his wife, Sarai, and his nephew, Lot, away from his hometown of Ur with the intention of settling in Canaan. However, they stopped for a while in a place called Haran, where Abram’s father died.
The Book of Abraham adds key details: Abram and his family named the place Haran, the same name as his deceased brother (see Abraham 2:1, 4). Terah remained in Haran while Abram, Sarai, and Lot continued their migration. Abram gives two reasons for his father staying behind:
- “There were many flocks in Haran.”
- “My father turned again unto his idolatry.”
But the Lord told Abram to keep going, and Abram obeyed.
Years earlier, the brother of Jared faced a similar situation. He and his family traveled from the Tower of Babel through the wilderness and “across many waters.” In that journey, they were “directed continually by the hand of the Lord” (Ether 2:6). But when they reached the ocean, they stopped for four years. They also stopped seeking divine direction. When the brother of Jared began to pray again, the Lord directed him to continue their journey across the sea to their promised land. (See Ether 2:7.)
How often do we start a course of action following divine guidance, only to abandon the plan partway through? Perhaps we get comfortable when the challenges we had faced originally are alleviated somewhat. Perhaps we get distracted. But if we continue seeking personal revelation, God will remind us that we haven’t arrived yet. Like Abraham and the Jaredites, we’re only partway there. God will continue leading us until we arrive at our promised land.
Today, I will be careful not to confuse comfort with arrival. I will be grateful for joyful waystations on my journey, but with God’s help, I will remain focused on my goals and keep moving forward.
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