Rediscover the Bible for Life

“The Faith of Abraham”

By Dennis Lee

One of the great examples of faith is Abraham, also known as the Father of our faith. His story and that of his family pretty much covers the entire book of Genesis.

And through this tremendous story, the writer of Hebrews puts Abraham into God’s Hall of Faith, Hebrews chapter 11. As we examine what’s been written we’ll discover the type of faith that’s pleasing to God.

The first thing we see is by faith we receive God’s directions.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8 NKJV)

It takes faith to go when God calls. Abraham followed God to a land that was not his own, but one day it would become his children’s inheritance. As we trust in God, He will give direction for our lives.

Next, faith clings to God’s promises.

“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:9 NKJV)

Faith not only goes, but it also stays. And although Abraham’s faith swayed for a time, He kept clinging to the promise that God would one day bless both he and his descendants, Genesis 12:2.

Since God has given us many great and precious promises guaranteeing that they are all yes and true in Jesus Christ. So we need to keep clinging to God’s promises.

Third, faith embraces the future.

“For he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:10 NKJV)

By faith Abraham saw beyond time and into eternity itself. Abraham knew that both he and his descendants were nothing more than strangers and pilgrims on earth. He knew that their existence was only temporary.

By faith we need to see beyond our present problems and difficulties and into what God has set for all those who believe.

Jesus said, “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2 NKJV)

Fourth, faith realizes the impossible.

“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age – and Sarah herself was barren – was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.” (Hebrews 11:11 NKJV

Abraham was 100, and his wife, Sarah, was 90 when their son, Isaac, was born. I think it’s safe to say they were well beyond their child producing years. But what’s humanly impossible is possible with God.

The Apostle Paul says that contrary or beyond all hope, in hope Abraham believed, and therefore became the father of many nations, Rom. 4: 18.

We must remember that while God’s promises may seem beyond our ability to conceive, they aren’t beyond God’s ability to produce, so by faith believe God even for the impossible.