“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed God when God called him to leave home and go to another land…He went without knowing where he was going.” – Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)
Abraham’s life was filled with faith. At God’s command, he left his home and went to another land, obeying without question (Genesis 12:1).
When God called him, Abram (his name at that time), moved out in faith from Haran to Shechem, Canaan. God then established a covenant with him, telling him He would make him a great nation. Not only would this nation be blessed, God said, but the other nations of the earth would be blessed through Abram’s descendants. And even though he did not know where he was going, he believed in the covenant that God made with him.
Abraham not only used his faith to think according to God’s will but also acted in obedience. That’s the kind of faith you want — a faith that moves you to act in accordance with God’s will, to follow His Word without a question asked.
Abraham was even willing to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). God tested Abraham, not to trip him and watch him fall, but to deepen his capacity to obey God and thus to develop his character. When we are tested, we can complain, or we can try to see how God is stretching us to develop our character. When your faith moves you enough to take action, you are following in the footsteps of Jesus.
So remember to act with love, forgiveness, and mercy in mind. Always keep in mind how your faith can affect all aspects of your life. For example, how do you apply faith to your career, raising children, and your hobbies? Do not be surprised if God asks you to give up secure, familiar surroundings in order to carry out His will.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, help us to grow strong in faith and show a passion for Your word that draws others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read: Genesis 15:5-6; Colossians 2:6-7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 80:1-7; Acts 23:12-35; 2 Kings 8:16-29; 2 Kings 9