Heroes of Faith: Father Abraham’s test of faith (I)
Heroes of Faith: Father Abraham’s test of faith (I)
Text: Hebrews 11:1-40, Genesis 17:1-8, Genesis 21:1-7.
Memory Verse: “As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.” Genesis 17:4
It was Abraham’s steadfast faith, his unquestioning obedience and his constant fellowship with God that is believed to be the reason why God choose him to be the first patriarch (leader) of the Hebrews and father of many nations. Abraham’s faith in God was tested in a way that most of us will never understand. We’ll be discussing two tests of faith that Abraham passed.
In Genesis 5:15, God brought Abraham outside and told him to number the stars of heaven; this of course is an impossible act because no one can count the stars. Yet God told Abraham that is how many his children and generation will be. Don’t forget that Abraham and his wife Sarah were already old and did not have any child when God made this promise. This promise was a test of faith by God to see if Abraham will believe and trust in Him no matter what nature was saying about his age and that of his wife Sarah; Abraham believed God’s promise even though naturally speaking it was impossible because he and Sarah were too old to have children. Abraham did not doubt God at any point; see Romans 4:20. God kept his promise; Sarah gave birth to a baby boy and they named him Isaac as God told them to. So we can boldly say that father Abraham passed his first test in flying colours.
Prayer: God help me never to doubt you. Rather, help me at all times to believe and trust your word.
Author: Sis Chiamaka Ebenezer
