God asks a lot of us as believers. He often asks us to step out in faith and trust that His plan is best. This is what happened to Abram.
God called Abram to pack up and move, to leave everything and everyone familiar and to go to an unknown life in an unknown place. Abram responded to this unknown plan by obediently moving out and then worshipping God. How would I respond in this challenging situation?
Along with this command to move, God made seven promises to Abram (12:2-3).
Abram’s obedience demonstrates that Christians must be separate from the world. What separation needs to happen in my life?
Am I willing to give up everything like Abram did, to separate myself in obedience to God? Am I willing to give up my plans so He can work His plans?
Once Abram, Sarai and their entire crew arrived in the land of Canaan, Abram saw that the land was full of Canaanites. They were a wicked and pagan group of people. What did Abram think of these people? Was he surprised to see people settled in “his” land?
God never promises a life without obstacles! But He promises His presence. God appeared to Abram again and promised that the land would belong to his offspring. Then Abram explored the land and built an altar to God.
Abram acted by faith on God’s commands and then experienced His character (mercy, grace, love, protection, etc.). The result of seeing God’s character was worship.
Am I waiting for specific details before moving out in faith in some area in my life? God wants me to move when He opens a door and shows me where to go. When I move forward, I will see God’s character and then I should worship Him for who He is. True faith believes God then steps out in faith.
After Abram demonstrated his obedience, God then tested him. But Abram was not unique in this. All Christians should expect their faith to be tested. It is a way of life, a part of our growing and stretching in the Christian life. These tests benefit us and others who are watching us.
A famine hit the land. Abram went to Egypt to provide for his family. But he was concerned that the Egyptians would take Sarai and kill him. So he told Sarai to lie and say she was his sister. This was partially true because Sarai was Abram’s half-sister. But it is evident that Abram concocted this plan to deceive the Egyptians.
Sarai was taken to Pharaoh. Abram’s life was spared, and he was prosperous. But soon Pharaoh confronted Abram about his sin. Pharaoh sent Abram, Sarai and all of his possessions out of Egypt. What did Abram do? He returned to the southern region of Canaan. There he called on the name of the Lord at the first altar he built.
Abram failed the test because he didn’t trust in God’s power. He got his eyes off God. He leaned on the world’s wisdom and his own plan. But he eventually recognized his mistake. He repented of his sins and returned to God and His promises.
Abram shows us that we should embrace God’s plan for our lives.
Do I turn to God whenever my faith is tested?
How am I responding in faith to God’s commands? What are the results?
How am I stepping out in faith?
What test currently is stretching my faith? Will I respond by trusting God?
This week, Avery’s verse focused on the first command Abram received:
Genesis 12:1 NIV