The Place We Are Called to Be

Pastor Calvin Cook
June 17, 2026

Scripture: “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you.’” — Genesis 12:1

Earlier this week I reflected on Genesis 12 and God’s call to Abram. As I return to this passage, I find myself asking an important question: Are we in the place God is calling us to be? Not just physically, but spiritually and emotionally as well.

I grew up outside Dawson, Pennsylvania, in a simple rural community. Life revolved around family, hard work, church, neighbors, and helping others. I loved where I lived and never imagined leaving. I had no dreams of traveling far away or pursuing some grand adventure.

Yet God had other plans.

Looking back, I can see that God was shaping my life long before I recognized it. Through business ventures, marriage, church involvement, and countless unexpected opportunities, He was preparing me for places I never intended to go. Gail and I were deeply influenced by faithful believers who discipled and mentored us during our early years of marriage. Their investment in our lives helped set us on a path of ministry.

Over the years, God called us into service in churches across Pennsylvania. What began with filling pulpits and serving as a Certified Lay Minister eventually led to pastoral ministry and ordination. Today, I can look back on the many communities we have served and clearly see God’s hand guiding each step, even when the path seemed uncertain.

Genesis 12 reminds us that God’s call often requires trust before we can see the destination. Abram left what was familiar and followed God’s leading. In many ways, every believer faces that same challenge.

As I reflect on this journey, three truths stand out:

First, never forget who you are and how God brought you to where you are today. Every season teaches us something about God’s faithfulness.

Second, never believe that God has abandoned you. Life may take unexpected turns, but He remains present through every step.

Third, if you want to receive what God desires to give you, you must be willing to receive it without demanding your own preferences. God’s plans are often better than the ones we create for ourselves.

The story of Abraham, spanning Genesis 12–25, reveals a powerful truth: through famine, uncertainty, danger, and disappointment, Abraham remained faithful to God—and God remained faithful to Abraham.

May we do the same, trusting God to lead us into the place He is calling us to be.