The Faith of Abraham

FAITH IN ACTION:
LIVING AS FAITHFUL PEOPLE
God's Covenant
A Promise to Abraham

Hebrews 11:8-16

The Message

 ^8-10By an act of faith, Abraham said yes to God's call to travel to an unknown place that would become his home. When he left he had no idea where he was going. By an act of faith he lived in the country promised him, lived as a stranger camping in tents. Isaac and Jacob did the same, living under the same promise. Abraham did it by keeping his eye on an unseen city with real, eternal foundations—the City designed and built by God.
 ^11-12By faith, barren Sarah was able to become pregnant, old woman as she was at the time, because she believed the One who made a promise would do what he said. That's how it happened that from one man's dead and shriveled loins there are now people numbering into the millions.
 ^13-16Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.

For Reflection
Faith and hope are counterparts.  Abraham kept a eye on the city of God he hoped for.  Sarah kept her eye on the promise of God that she hoped for.  One's hope doesn't have to be realized to be effective in sustaining faith.  Hope is an act of faith.  What do you hope for that sustains your faith and enables you?

Pray
that your hope for the fulfillment of God's promise will sustain you.  Pray for God to open you eyes and your heart to the results of faith in your life.