Ahoy, action adventurers!
Today, we’re setting sail on a journey to explore the story of Abraham, the Father of Faith himself, and learn how his faith was made complete by his actions. So, grab your faith compass, and let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!
As we dive into James 2:20-22, we find ourselves reminiscing about one of the most dramatic episodes of “Faith’s Got Talent”:
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works;
James 2:20–22 (ESV)
It was the time when Abraham was asked to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22:1-2). Talk about a nerve-wracking cliffhanger, right? But don’t worry, there’s a happy ending (spoiler alert!).
Now, if you’ve ever had to make a tough decision, you know how much it can test your faith. But offering up your own child? That’s next-level testing, my friends. Yet, Abraham’s obedience to God in this unimaginable situation shows us the power of faith in action (Genesis 22:3-10). It’s essential to remember that God was testing Abraham’s trust, not intending to make him go through with the sacrifice. God wanted to see if Abraham would trust him, even if it meant giving up something he truly loved.
But wait, there’s more! Just as Abraham was about to make the ultimate sacrifice, God swooped in like a heavenly superhero and provided a ram to take Isaac’s place (Genesis 22:11-14). Phew! Crisis averted.
So, what’s the takeaway from this faith-filled escapade? Well, Abraham’s actions completed his faith, proving that he truly believed in God’s promises. It’s like faith and works teaming up to form the ultimate dynamic duo, fighting off doubt and disbelief!
And the lessons we can learn from Abraham’s faith in action? For starters, trusting God even when things don’t make sense is essential. Sure, it might feel like we’re walking a tightrope, but with God as our safety net, we can’t go wrong. Plus, our obedience deepens our relationship with God, turning us into seasoned faith adventurers ready for whatever life throws our way.
So, fellow action adventurers, are you ready to follow in Abraham’s footsteps and put your faith into action? Whether it’s a leap of trust or a small step of obedience, let’s remember Abraham’s example and watch our faith soar to new heights!
In what ways can you step out in faith and obedience like Abraham, trusting God even when it doesn’t make sense?
One way that I can step out in faith and obedience is with my job. In the past I have tried to do what I thought was best regarding my job but I know that I need to trust God concerning this and continue to follow wherever God leads me.
(from Hai)
Most of my friends/siblings are cruising in the season of being empty-nesters (kids all off to college). They’re traveling, playing golf, tennis, etc. they’re always inviting Kathy and I to join them but most times, our reply is:”sorry, we can’t (Niko)”.
Kathy had a particularly hard day with him yesterday when he refused to get into his car seat and threw tantrums, again. She wondered out-loud to me “sometimes I wonder why we’re doing this.”
By faith, we know that adopting Baby Jesus (that’s his birth name) is exactly the faith journey that God called us into, and it’s truly taken us into the deep waters is the Gospel and appreciate so much more our adoption in Christ.
To my unbelieving brothers and friends, it seems counterintuitive…like one of them said: like “stopping at the 25th mile of a marathon and going back to the starting line” The payoff? Chiefly, that we experience God in deeper ways and marvel at how he uses simple acts of obedience to bless so many and so richly!
I think discerning God’s leading and His voice from competing voices is what I need to work on to step out in faith. by being obedient to His Word in prayer and being still to hear the Holy Spirit. I’m assuming Abraham had a very close relationship with God conversing constantly. It was clear when God spoke. The idea of sacrificing his only son doesn’t sound like a loving God’s request but Issac was Abraham’s treasure. His only son. What is my “treasure”? What is taking priority before God? My “treasure” is comfort/easy life… God help me to trust you one step at a time. One day at a time.
Your group has Jho, Kathy, Amy, and Christine left from this point on.
Yes our girls’ bible study studied Genesis and was asked that same question. I can step out in faith and obedience like Abraham, trusting God even when it doesn’t make sense by remember the ways that He has been faithful to me in my life and holding onto His promises. I was reminded in our studies that Abraham did not trust in God’s promises and sinned against Him by doing things on his own. However, later on, he held on to God’s promises and changed.
Jocelyn said, “After reading today’s devotion one area in my life that I can step out and be obedient like Abraham would be my future. I think as I’m looking forward to graduating there is the inevitable unknown where I often start questioning about my future plans. And it’s not just me who’s putting this pressure but my family and friends. I think stepping into it like how Abraham did with full confident and no fear is something that I want to mirror. The more I trust in God the less fear I have of the unknown.”