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Imitating the Faith of Abraham and Sarah

Abraham and Sarah are towering figures of faith in the Bible, exemplifying trust and obedience to God despite uncertain circumstances and long waits for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Christians can draw valuable lessons from their lives, applying similar principles of faith and patience in their walk with God.

Unwavering Trust in God’s Promises

Believing Against Hope

Romans 4:18-21 describes Abraham’s faith as believing against hope that he would become the father of many nations, as God had promised. This passage highlights Abraham’s unwavering trust in God’s promise, even when it seemed impossible from a human perspective.

“In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.” – Romans 4:18-19

Christians can imitate Abraham’s faith by trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances seem bleak or the fulfillment of God’s word appears delayed. This involves leaning not on our understanding but on the faithfulness of God.

Obedience to God’s Call

Heeding God’s Directions

Hebrews 11:8 commends Abraham for obeying when he was called to go out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance. By faith, he went out, not knowing where he was going. This act of obedience, despite not seeing the full picture, is a powerful testament to his trust in God.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” – Hebrews 11:8

Christians are called to obey God’s leading in their lives, even when the path is not fully clear. This may involve making significant life changes, taking steps of faith in ministry, or following God’s commands even when they go against societal norms.

Persevering in Faith

Waiting for God’s Timing

Hebrews 6:15 notes that Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. Both Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years for the fulfillment of God’s promise of a son. Their story teaches the virtue of patience in faith, trusting in God’s timing rather than insisting on our own.

“And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.” – Hebrews 6:15

Believers today can imitate Abraham and Sarah’s perseverance by maintaining their faith in God’s promises, even when answers to prayers or the fulfillment of God’s word seem delayed. This involves continually trusting in God’s goodness and faithfulness, even in seasons of waiting.

Facing Challenges with Faith

Overcoming Doubts with Belief

Despite moments of laughter and doubt from both Abraham (Genesis 17:17) and Sarah (Genesis 18:12) when God reiterated His promise of a son in their old age, they ultimately believed God would fulfill His word. Their initial reactions were human, but their stories did not end with doubt.

“So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, ‘After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?'” – Genesis 18:12

Christians can learn from Abraham and Sarah’s eventual return to faith, understanding that while doubts may arise, the journey of faith involves returning to trust in God’s word and His character, overcoming doubts with belief in His power and promises.

Developing Implicit Trust in God’s Promises

Implicit trust in God’s promises is foundational to a vibrant Christian faith. This trust is cultivated through understanding God’s character, remembering His faithfulness, embracing His Word, and experiencing His reliability firsthand.

Understanding God’s Unchanging Nature

The Faithfulness of God

Numbers 23:19 underscores the reliability and unchanging nature of God, highlighting that God is not human, that He should lie, nor a human being, that He should change His mind. This verse reassures believers that God’s promises are trustworthy and sure.

“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” – Numbers 23:19

Remembering God’s Faithfulness in the Past

Reflecting on Historical Faithfulness

Psalm 77:11-12 encourages believers to remember the deeds of Jehovah and ponder all His works. Reflecting on how God has fulfilled His promises in the past builds confidence in His future faithfulness.

“I will remember the deeds of Jehovah; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” – Psalm 77:11-12

Embracing the Truth of God’s Word

Standing on Scriptural Promises

Romans 10:17 points out that faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. Delving into Scripture and holding fast to the promises found within its pages is crucial for developing a deep-seated trust in God.

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17

Experiencing God’s Reliability

Personal Testimonies of God’s Faithfulness

Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds believers of Jehovah’s great love and mercies that never come to an end; they are new every morning. Personal experiences of God’s faithfulness and mercy in one’s life reinforce trust in His promises.

“The steadfast love of Jehovah never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

Walking in Fellowship with God

Continuous Relationship Enhances Trust

John 15:4-5 teaches that remaining in Christ is essential for bearing fruit. A close, abiding relationship with God through prayer, worship, and obedience strengthens our trust in His promises as we learn to depend more fully on Him.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” – John 15:4

Practicing Patience and Perseverance

Trusting Through Waiting

Hebrews 6:12 encourages believers not to become sluggish, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Trust in God’s promises often requires patience and perseverance, especially when fulfillment seems delayed.

“so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” – Hebrews 6:12

Implicit trust in God’s promises is cultivated through a deep understanding of His unchanging nature, remembering His past faithfulness, embracing the truth of His Word, experiencing His reliability firsthand, walking in continuous fellowship with Him, and practicing patience and perseverance. This trust is not passive but actively pursued as believers engage with God and His promises on a daily basis.

If you are interested in reading more articles like this, see CATEGORY: CHRISTIAN LIVING.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).