Day 20 | The Step of Abraham

Scriptures: Genesis 12:1-4, Hebrews 11:1-8

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. It is believing you have what is not yet in your possession, and believing your God-inspired dream will come to pass when your current circumstances beg to differ. Above all, faith is knowing that God is capable of all things and always fulfills his promises.

Psalm 119:105 reads, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” In many situations, God illuminates our next step, but He does not always show us the entire destination or the bigger picture. This partial sight is intentional. It encourages faith, builds a sole reliance on Him, and deepens our personal relationship with Him.

In Genesis 12:1, God asks Abram to leave not only what is familiar to him, but to enter a land he has never been to before. This destination represented the absolute unknown. God attached conditional promises to this command: He would make him a great nation, bless him, make his name great, and make him a blessing. Without hesitation, Abram departed from his home at seventy-five years old. He traveled with no map, no real estate agent, and nothing but the bare word of God.

His faith faced a far more severe test years later, after finally receiving the promised son he had spent decades waiting for. When God asked him to offer up his only begotten son, he did so willingly, trusting that God was fully able to raise Isaac up and that God would provide a way.

We cannot keep our faith locked in our minds. We must exercise it by pushing through resistance, following the promptings of the Spirit, and obeying God’s commands in real time.

Practical Application

Identify one specific prompt or command from God that you are currently resisting out of comfort. Take one concrete action today to exercise your faith, moving forward even if you can only see the immediate next step.

Reflection Questions

1.  What is one way I can demonstrate my faith to God today?

2.  Romans 10:17 states that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Am I reading the word of God on a regular basis, and how can I make studying my Bible an everyday habit?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I humbly ask that You increase my faith. Let me answer Your call, heed Your promptings, and above all, be obedient to Your word. I know that without You I can do nothing, which is why I ask for Your mercy and grace as I seek Your face. Amen.

Devotional Written By: Jah Barnes