In Genesis 11 there is documentation of a group of men trying to build a tower high into the sky. They said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” Now contrast that with the ‘Father of our Faith’, Abraham (Abram), in the very next chapter. “Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.’”

The plans of the men in chapter 11 were born out of pride. It was about exalting their reputation and making a name for themselves. It was about human achievement, ingenuity, and glory-for-men. Abram was called by God to something great as well. He was called out of his land into a new land that the Lord was going to show him. He didn’t know where and he didn’t know why, but he heard the voice of God and went. His faith was a tremendous example and he brought much glory to God. People must have questioned him and mocked him, but regardless, he followed God and God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams.

In Chapter 11, the plans of the men were wrecked and the tower was abandoned. In chapter 12 Abram was on his way to becoming the Father of Many Nations with descendants greater than the number of stars in the sky. He was starting a journey to a beautiful land flowing with milk and honey under the hand and protection of God almighty. The men said “let US, let US, let US”, but God said, “I will, I will, I will.” God’s plans always prevail while men’s plans often fail.

What kind of life are you building for yourself? Are you working on monuments to your greatness, trying to make a name for yourself like the men in chapter 11? Or are you listening for the voice of God and getting some direction for your life out of Scripture? Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says, “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.” Read the rest of the chapter for a mind-blowing list of blessings that you’ll receive when you follow the Lord!

We are to live by faith for the glory of God. When you step out and trust him with a step that is bigger than you can handle, then you will experience miracle after miracle. Go into the Bible, grab a promise from God, claim it as yours, then live it out. Your live will be transformed.

And if you’re too busy to live your life by faith and glorify God, then let me ask you this: What were the names of the guys in chapter 11 who were building the tower? They were building a monument to get a name for themselves… but you can’t name one of them.

On the other hand, everybody knows the name Abraham.