Abraham’s Faith to Obey
“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. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” Hebrews 11:8-10
Abraham demonstrates one of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible. He believed against all odds, and he endured in his faith. Abraham’s faith was an obedient, believing faith—a faith that genuinely obeyed and believed God.
Abraham obeyed God, left his home, and went without any directions from God as to where he was headed. When God called, Abraham acted. He did not hesitate, argue, question, or waver. He simply obeyed. As soon as he heard the call of God, he arose and followed God; he acted decisively.
Note a significant fact about following God: Abraham did not know where he was going. He did not know where following God would lead him. He just believed the promises of God; therefore, he acted upon his belief. He believed; therefore, he obeyed.
If you truly believe God, you will obey God. There is no such thing as belief without obedience, not genuine belief. Obeying God requires believing God. Even though you can never know exactly where your faith will lead you, you should not fear following God. God is good and He has only good things in store for you, His dear son or daughter. If you draw back and do not believe and follow God, then you will miss out on His promises.
Study Questions
- Do you fear where God will lead you?
- Do you truly believe that God will do what He promises?
- Does your belief lead you to obey God?
- Has there been a time in your life when obeying God led you to a difficult place? How can that experience serve as a testimony to others?
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