Faith That Obeys
Hebrews 11:9 says, “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:”
When Abraham heard God’s call “to go out into a place” (v. 8), he humbly obeyed, not knowing where it was. But “by faith,” he trusted the Lord to guide him (Ps 32:8), along the right path (Prov 16:9). God is not interested in proud people (Jms 4:6), who think they already got everything figured out! He is not looking for people who refuse to be told what to do (Ps 10:4). He wants to use the broken and those “of a contrite spirit” (Ps 34:18). They are the ones willing to become vessels “in sanctification and honour” (1 Thes 4:4); and allowing God to direct their paths (Ps 37:23); to go wherever He leads them by faith! They understand that the road may not always be smooth and easy, but they know that God’s way is always the best way (Job 23:10).
When Abraham arrived in the promised land of Canaan (Gen 17:8), he saw that it was occupied by heathens whose religion and culture were extremely wicked and full of abominations (Deut 20:18). Yet, God promised that all the land shall be given to him (Gen 13:15). As a stranger “in a strange country,” he knew that God would fulfill all His precious promises one day (Ps 105:42). It all seemed impossible (Lk 18:27), but he believed that God would keep His word and shall do it in His perfect time (Ecc 3:11).
Eventually, this was accomplished when God’s people conquered the Canaanite nations, utterly destroying them and possessing their land (Josh 23:5). This is what genuine faith is all about (Lk 17:6)! It looks beyond the impossible and trusts that “God is able” (2 Cor 9:8), to do what He promised (Rom 4:21). Life is not always easy. But with God’s help and guidance, He enables us to “do all things through Christ” (Php 4:13). Faith that does not trust and obey Him is not faith at all! God bless you!
-Pastor Melito Barrera
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