Fallen Faith

This week we are looking at how Abram dealt with trials in his life. No one in Hebrews 11 is hailed for their faith as much as Abraham. Hebrews praises him for his faith. Abraham “obeyed going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out not knowing where he was going,” (Heb 11:8). He “lived as an alien in the land of promise,” (Heb. 11:9). In verse 10 we have that great proclamation that he “was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” In verse 16 it says that Abraham’s faith was not a waste because “God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.”

After Abram got to Canaan Genesis 12:7 tells us that Yahweh came to Abram. In Ur Yahweh called Abram to a place that He would show him. Now in the story, The Lord shows up and presents himself to Abram. Abram’s display of faith is an example of the faith all believes should have and should strive to exemplify.

Then famine hit Canaan!

Abram may have thought God would take him to the Promised Land and roll the red carpet out for him. He may have thought once he got to the Promised Land all his worries would go away. He may reasoned in his own heart that since he showed such great faith in leaving, maybe, just maybe God owed him.

Do you ever get to a place where you feel like God owes you? “God I did this for you, where is my blessing?” It is easy to think our relationship with God is give and take. Most of our relationships are. So, when we do something for God and He doesn’t respond with the appropriate blessing; we feel cheated and we begin to question God’s love for us.

Abram left everything and walked into a land that was experiencing a famine. So he did the obvious, he went to where there was food – Egypt! The problem was he didn’t ask God what he needed to do. He just assumed God “had his back” and did the reasonable thing. He didn’t deny God, he just chose to forget about Him.

God will always test our faith with trials. It is a guarantee. Even Jesus was tested, why should we different? Abram was tested and this great man of faith; showed none! He did not trust God and he missed out on what God had for him. We will never know how God wanted to deliver Abram from the famine because Abram did not show enough faith in God to simply call out to Him.

How about you? How many blessings are you missing because you have not trusted God for His deliverance? Prior to this Abram’s life was defined by the altars he built for God and faithful calling on the name of Yahweh.

Trials are going to come, when they do… learn from Abram’s mistake and remember your call. Build altars and worship the only Savior who has the power to save. Faith only happens when it is lived!

Be blessed,

Craig