Faith that obeys
It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God. Hebrews 11:8-10
When God gave us the list of names whose faith was commendable and exemplary, Abraham’s will always be mentioned. Paul mentioned Abraham in Romans 4 as an example of what faith in God should look like. Abraham received a call from God and he was told to go to a place where he has not been before. Without any question, he obeyed and followed God’s direction. He left Haran and he let God supply all the details of His direction as he followed. He trusted God’s provision. His contemporaries might have laughed at his faith but he believed God and trusted him enough that he will not doubt His calling. Faith and obedience are inseparable in the life of every believer. Abraham could not have obeyed God if he did not believe His word. His faith influenced his family. This was manifested by Isaac and Jacob and they too became linked as heirs with him of the same promise. Abraham had shown persistence in his faith by living as a nomad in a foreign land living in tents. He was without rights and privileges yet did not complain. Though God promised him that his descendants will live in the Promised Land, he did not look primarily for a physical city but for a spiritual city founded and built by God. He was anticipating living in the place where God prepared a “city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” This too is what we should be looking forward to for we ourselves are pilgrims in this world. As the Lord Jesus Christ promised the disciples when He was assuring them of a better place prepared for those that trusted Him, He said, “I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am” (John 14:2-3). The secret of Abraham’s faith and enduring patience was that he looked forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise. Faith should brood automatic steps of obedience. It steps out in obedience to God’s call. Let us not be unrealistic and claim that we have faith in God yet not willing to obey Him. By faith we have to obey and go as God directs though we do not know where the path will take us. It is a dangerous thing when we begin to feel permanently comfortable and settled in this world that it becomes difficult for us to hear God’s call. Has he been calling you to a specific task or action but have passively ignored it?
Be willing to step out in faith and live in such a way in this world that there is always a discomfort so when He calls you to go, decision to follow will not be difficult.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
