Fearless Faith and Awestruck Joy—4 Truths of Faith, Hope and Joy
As we continue on in our search for the key elements that develop fearless faith and a life filled with joy; it would be of great benefit to us to look a little longer at the life of Abraham. We see in his life moments of great faith such as when he left everything to go to a land he had never seen because God had commanded him. We are also amazed when he went upon the mountaintop to sacrifice his son Isaac, believing that God would raise him from the dead. Instead, God provided a substitutionary sacrifice to take the place of Isaac, a symbolic representation of Christ who would be the substitutionary sacrifice for all who believe and accept the gift of salvation. When we look at these two great acts of faith, we think of Abraham as some superhero of faith.
Yet, if we look at Abraham’s life; we can see that the faith that allowed him to go up on that mountain willing to sacrifice Isaac at God’s command was a faith that had been cultivated and grown step by step. His journey was much like our own. When God first called Abraham out to go to a new land of promise, it is like when we are first called to accept Christ as our Savior. At that point, we become heirs of all of God’s promises. We are called out by grace, much like Abraham.
When Abraham arrived in the land, God appeared to Abraham with the promise “Unto thy seed will I give this land” (Genesis 12:7). Abraham built God an altar there and another altar when he pitched his tents east of Bethel. It is said that he “called upon the name of the Lord” (Genesis 12:8). So much like us, when we are focused on God’s promises and it appears all is going well; we praise God and give of our resources to God. Then what happened? A famine came. So Abraham, instead of standing on faith, headed off to Egypt. As he neared Egypt, he was struck with fear. He insisted that his wife say that she was his sister because he was afraid that the Egyptians when seeing her beauty would kill him in order to have her. Instead, he was willing to let them take her so as to save his own skin. Now, ladies—is this the rock of faith you would want standing beside you? Not really. But isn’t that what you and I do? First hint of trial, we forget about God’s promises and we run off in fear trying to fix it our own way. The farther away from God’s plan we get, the greater our fear; until, we have made a complete mess of things. Much like Abraham. God steps in to undo the mess by sending plagues on the Egyptian pharaoh’s house. Even the pagans had to do God’s bidding and he sent Abraham packing with his wife and all their belongings. Don’t believe me? Read Genesis 12 and 13. Not a picture of great fearless faith on the part of Abraham; yet, it is a picture of Amazing Grace on the part of God. Abraham returns to the “place of the Altar” (Genesis 13:4). Then everything was perfect. Wrong!! Fighting arises between the servants of Lot and the servants of Abraham. It becomes obvious they must separate. This time Abraham shows great faith as he offers lot the choice of the land. While believing God’s promise, it was easy to be generous. So, no more trials, right? Wrong, again!! Lot gets into big trouble and is taken captive by a large army. Abraham goes out to fight for the release of Lot with the strength of God on his side. Abraham wins and then is met on the road by Melchizedek-“priest of the most high God. And he blessed him, and said, blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: and blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all” (Genesis 14:18-19).
Beginning to see a pattern here? Step by step, God is teaching Abraham faith. Graciously, God is displaying His Glory to Abraham; a glory that would guide Abraham to a place of fearless faith and awestruck joy in God. We have more of the story to continue through next time; but, let’s pause for today and remember these four important truths.
1. Just as God had a plan for Abraham’s life for good; He has a plan for you and me. After all, through Abraham’s lineage, would come the Savior, the Messiah.
2. God is always faithful to keep His promises; even when we get it wrong as we so often do.
3. God is Sovereign, full of Grace, and abounding in Mercy to his children.
4. No matter how far you have strayed, you can always go back to the altar and be restored to a position of peace, joy, and hope; because of God’s love, God’s mercy, and God’s grace toward you.
Listen to this Song by Sidewalk Prophets You Love Me Anyway
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header is Ronald Barba. Please go to his website ( http://www.barba-art.com) for information regarding obtaining copies or to commission him to create a masterpiece for you. Feel free to email him at Ron@Barba-Art.com to discuss any art projects.
©2015 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.