Abraham was best known for his faithfulness and his righteousness. Reading his story is like reading a most amazing yet true novel where we can glean spiritual insights, encouragements and how to be victorious during challenging times.
Abraham, first known as Abram, lived in Ur of the Chaldeans, an important ancient city. Terah, Abram’s father, took Abram and his wife Sarai and Lot, Abraham’s nephew, from Ur, and they settled in Haran on their way to Canaan. Terah died in Haran. Gen. 12:1- 5 – “The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you. “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him…He took his wife Sarai, Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Haran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.”
Once again God Promised Abram that He would give that land to Abram, but God’s promises to make Abram great had a condition. Abram needed to obey God and he did what God told him to do, which meant he had to leave his home, his friends, his country and familiar surroundings. Are you ready to obey if Abba Father tells you to leave your comforts and possessions and move to another place which perhaps has new beginnings and more challenges? Obedience always brings rewards. Do not let your present comfort and security cause you to miss God’s perfect plan for your life! Challenges make us cling more closely to Jesus Christ and they teach us to trust Him diligently and faithfully, because He knows the end from the beginning. Abram went without knowing the road ahead. We too can trust our Abba Father who is already there where He desires us to be.
As we study Abram’s life, we will notice that he often built altars, not only to worship God, but also to remember God’s promises to bless him and the generations who would follow him. Worshipping helped Abram to remember that Father God was the centre of his life, and the reason for his obedience. He worshipped his heavenly Father before the promises were fulfilled which proves that his faith and trust in God were strong. Heb. 11:1 says – “Hebrews 11:1 states: ”Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence/assurance of things not seen.” Worshipping was also one of Abram’s priorities which built his faith.
Blessed Abba Father God, help me to be obedient like Abram was. Grant that I may not fear the future because You are already there where You want me to be. Please give me the courage to live according to Your divine calling upon my life, whether it is to remain faithful where I currently am, or to do something else which You have in store for me. I love and worship You King of kings and Lord of lords, our Great I AM who promises to never leave or forsake me.
Myrtle Turunen