Abraham, often called the daddy of religion, encountered many trials on his journey with God. His story is one in every of remarkable belief, nevertheless it also reveals moments of deep human struggle. The obstacles he faced were substantial, and plenty of of us can relate to the challenges Abraham encountered.
One of essentially the most difficult trials Abraham faced was waiting for the fulfilment of God’s guarantees. For years, he waited for the birth of Isaac, the promised child. In those moments, Abraham’s faith wavered, and he attempted to take matters into his own hands.
This struggle to trust in God’s timing, while living within the uncertainty of “when” and “how” God would fulfil His word, resonates deeply with many believers today. We, too, often yearn for clarity and immediate answers, but like Abraham, we must learn to trust God, even once we cannot see the complete picture.
God tests our faith by leading us beyond what we find out about Him. This truth is something I actually have experienced personally, particularly during a season of deep personal struggle.
I vividly recall a time some years ago when all the things seemed uncertain – my health, funds, profession, and future. I’d been declared bankrupt not once, but twice, and suffered a series of bereavements. Like Abraham, I felt as if I used to be wandering within the wilderness of life with out a clear direction.
During this era, God stretched my understanding of His character, leading me into the unknown, where I had no alternative but to depend on His guarantees somewhat than my limited understanding. It was a test of religion, pushing me beyond my theological knowledge. I got here to understand that God’s ways are higher than ours, and sometimes He calls us to trust Him in ways in which challenge our deepest fears and insecurities.
One of essentially the most striking moments in Abraham’s journey is when he devises schemes to guard his own future. Rather than trusting God, Abraham lies to guard himself, jeopardising the very guarantees God had made to him.
This reveals a profound truth: in our attempts to regulate situations, we regularly endanger the very blessings God has in store for us. I, too, have faced this same struggle. When confronted with uncertainty, I’m tempted to “help” God by taking matters into my very own hands. Yet the more I rely alone understanding, the more I recognise how fragile and incomplete it’s.
Trusting God requires give up – a release of our desire to control circumstances and outcomes.
The covenant ritual between God and Abraham is probably the most significant moments in biblical history. It serves as a strong reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness.
For me, crucial rituals in my very own spiritual journey have been those moments of commitment and remembrance, whether in baptism, communion, or personal vows made to God. These rituals, just like the covenant with Abraham, function milestones in my spiritual walk. They anchor me to the reality that God is identical yesterday, today, and without end.
What He has done prior to now is a model and promise of what He will do in the longer term. Just as God fulfilled His guarantees to Abraham, He will fulfil His guarantees to us.
Reflecting on Abraham’s life and the trials he endured jogs my memory to thank God for His faithfulness. Abraham’s story teaches us that God’s guarantees are sure, even when the trail to their fulfilment is unclear.
As believers, we are able to look back and see how God has been faithful in our past, and this offers us the arrogance to trust Him for our future.
Today, I thank God for all He has done in my life, and I thank Him upfront for all He will do. Just as He led Abraham through the unknown, He will proceed to guide me, and all who trust in Him, on the journey ahead.
“Yet he didn’t waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised” Romans 4:20 – 21 (NIV).
