Faithful on Fridays Blog

Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12b 

That’s what Paul wrote to Pastor Timothy; be an example of faith by receiving a word from God, like Abraham, and obey. It’s fascinating to read the account of Abraham’s obedience to God’s Word in Gen. 22: the sacrifice of Isaac. 

Abraham must’ve known that Yahweh wouldn’t command murder and yet He instructed His friend to offer his only son as a sacrifice. We can look back and see that this was a test of Abraham’s faith but he wasn’t privy to that information; he simply obeyed. 

How is that even possible? We can’t forget that Father Abraham had received several words from God Himself and they all included offspring. “I will make you a great nation and give the land to your offspring (Gen. 12:2, 7; 13:14-17)”, “offspring (as many) as the dust of the earth or the stars in the sky (Gen. 15:5)”, and “I will establish My covenant with you and your offspring, even Isaac (Gen. 17:1-21).” 

Abraham not only believed God then but his faith continued through that fateful day when God told him to kill his only son. I encourage you to read Gen. 22 carefully watching for the footsteps of Abraham’s faith. While knowing what God required of him, obeyed His voice, and prepared for Isaac’s death. He took steps of faith: cut the wood, journeyed to the place, and told his servants to wait since he and the boy would return. That’s faith. He prepared the fire, laid the wood on his son, and even raised the knife believing God’s promises to be true. He took footsteps of faith.

Are we responding to God’s voice, maybe a specific task or opportunity we have right now to obey Him? It’s a logical question since we’re supposed to be examples of faith. Has God given you a mission and you’re hesitating to step out? Are there opportunities available that He’s shown you with no response?

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.

Romans 4:20-21 NLT

The writer of Hebrew 11 listed twelve steps Abraham and his family took by faith; I have to wonder how many times my family and I would be listed. 

… and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 ESV

Let’s rest in the Spirit’s power to take those faith footsteps as we obey His voice, being fully convinced of His mission, therefore bringing glory to God in our family as well.