Forward by Faith by Charles Stanley (In Touch Ministries)

Forward by Faith by Charles Stanley
In Touch Ministries

March 17, 2010

GENESIS 12:1-20

Faith can be lulled to sleep when we are focused on our own comfort rather than God's plan. Abraham did not fall into this trap. He traded the familiar for the unknown and received many blessings.

Living by faith is the right answer when God calls you to move forward. His call can come to us at any age and in any situation. Abraham was 75 when he began his journey. David was a shepherd boy when he was anointed to be king (1 Sam. 16:11-13).

Paul encountered the Lord on his way to arrest Jewish believers in Damascus. After his conversion, he became the Lord's representative to the Gentiles (Acts 9:1-6). Our call may not be so dramatic, but it will always involve moving forward by faith.

Following the Lord will also include times of testing. Abraham, like all of us, had some successes and some failures. The initial call to leave his country was met with strong belief and immediate action. As a result, he received a promise of great blessing for him and his descendants. But encountering famine brought a different response—a sojourn to Egypt, deception about his relationship with Sarah, and chastisement from Pharaoh. Our response to God's commands really matters. We can bring blessing or heartache through our actions.

Obeying God can be uncomfortable. Those close to us may question our motives or disagree with our decisions. And we ourselves may not want to do what He asks. But faith will keep us moving forward in obedience. It helps us stay the course and experience the blessings found in a relationship with Christ.