Day 02 - Journey Into the Unknown

After years of anticipation, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) has finally opened its doors, and today, we had the privilege of stepping into its vast halls. At 5.2 million square feet, the GEM is a breathtaking achievement—the equivalent of 90 American football fields, covering thousands of years of Egyptian history, from the Pre-Dynastic era to the Ptolemaic-Roman period. Few places on earth bring together such awe-inspiring artifacts, meticulously preserved in incredible detail, allowing us to step back in time and immerse ourselves in the grandeur of ancient Egypt.

As we began our day, we paused to reflect on another journey—Abraham’s call to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown.

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’”

(Genesis 12:1)

Abraham left Ur of the Chaldeans, a center of civilization, trade, and culture, to follow God’s leading into the unknown. Like so many who have stood at crossroads throughout history, he had to let go in order to take hold of what was to come. This act of faith resonates deeply with us today.

The artifacts we see at the Grand Egyptian Museum tell the stories of people who built, conquered, ruled, and navigated change. Pharaohs established great kingdoms, warriors defended their lands, and scribes recorded history on temple walls and papyrus scrolls. Yet, even in the grandeur of these exhibits, we are reminded that every great movement forward begins with a step of faith—a willingness to release what is behind and embrace what is ahead.

As Henry Nouwen describes, faith is like a trapeze artist, letting go of one bar and reaching out for the next—even when we cannot yet see what we will grasp. Today, as we walked through the halls of the GEM, surrounded by the legacies of those who came before us, we were reminded that our spiritual journey is one of trust.

Just as Abraham followed God without knowing where he was going, we, too, step forward in faith. We walk through the exhibits, stand before the great wonders of ancient Egypt, and are reminded that God calls us to something greater than what we leave behind.

Tomorrow, our journey continues, but today, we marvel at the beauty, history, and faithfulness woven into this place. May we, like Abraham, embrace the unknown, trusting that God is leading us forward.

The Journey is the Destination.

Jerrell