Abraham and His Family Moved to a New Land

Genesis 12:1-9

Our story comes from the book, or part, of the Bible called Genesis. Genesis means "the beginning."

A man and woman lived in a land called Ur. The man was named Abram and the woman was named Sarai. Abram and Sarai were husband and wife. God called Abram and Sarai and gave them new names! Abram means “nobel father.” But God changed his name to “Abraham,” which means “father of many.” Sarai” means “princess.” But God changed her name to “Sarah,” which means “mother of nations.” Now they were Abraham and Sarah, "father of many" and "mother of nations!"


Abraham grew up in the land called Ur. When he was grown, Abraham moved with his family to a new land called Haran.


But then, in the land of Haran, God appeared to Abraham and told him to leave his country.


God told Abraham to move to a new land. God promised to be with Abraham and show him where to go.


God also promised to give Abraham children, grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.


It was a big job getting ready to move. Abraham's wife, Sarah, packed things in the tent. Fold once, fold twice, roll it up.

Abraham's nephew, Lot, was also moving with Abraham. He packed his things. Fold once, fold twice, roll it up. Abraham's helpers gathered the animals that belonged to Abraham.


Soon it was time to go. Abraham walked and walked. Sarah and Lot walked and walked. The helpers and animals walked and walked. Even though they went a long way, God was with them.


Finally, Abraham, Sarah, Lot, the helpers, and the animals reached the new land called Canaan. They stopped at a place called Shechem in the land of Canaan.


Then God appeared to Abraham. God promised that He would give the land of Canaan to Abraham's children.


Abraham wanted to thank God for being with his family wherever they went. Abraham built an altar from a pile of stones. That was a way of showing God how great He is. Abraham thanked God for being with them.


Then it was time to unpack. Abraham and Lot set up the tent. Unroll it, unfold once, unfold, twice. Sarah put things where they belonged. Unroll it, unfold once, unfold twice. The helpers took care of the animals.


Abraham and his family traveled a long way to the new land. And God was with them wherever they went. God is with us wherever we go, too.



Bible Paraphrase: Trust in the LORD. (Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. – Psalm 37:3 NIV)

Text Truth: 
God is with us wherever we go.



Family Devotional

Abraham accepted God's call to move and then live in an enemy territory. But God reassured Abraham of His presence during his travels.

God is also with you in times of change. He is with us wherever we go as He tells us in Joshua 1:9:


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.


Listen today for God's direction. Choose to obey. "Go to the land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). No matter what the journey, God is with you.


Activities You Can Do at Home


God is Here!

As you run errands, ask your child who is with you in each of the places you go--at the post office, at the store, etc. Say together, "God is here!"


As I Travel, God Goes With Me

As you travel this summer, your child may be sleeping in unfamiliar locations and it may be scary. Remind your child as she goes to bed that God is with us wherever we go, so God is with you as you travel.


God Goes With Me Everywhere

Sing this song to the tune of "Mulberry Bush" to remind your child that God is with us wherever we go.

God goes with me everywhere,
Everywhere, everywhere.
God goes with me everywhere,
Everywhere I go.



Tell the Story of Abraham

You'll Need: a blanket and several pieces of clothing as props

Act out the Bible story. Help your child fold the clothes and roll them in the blanket as you retell the story. Together carry the bundle through the house. As you pretend to arrive at your new home, unroll the blanket and hang it over chairs to make a tent. Remind your child that God is with us in a tent or in a house, just as He was with Abraham.


Thank God for His Presence

As you travel this week, pray with your child at each place you go as well as on your way there. Not only is God with us wherever we go, we can also pray to Him wherever we go.


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Story illustrations are the copyright of Sweet Publishing and licensed by FreeBibleimages (http://freebibleimages.org) for free download under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike 3.0 unported licence.
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