The Demand of Faith

ADVENTURES in faith is a great heading for these lessons concerning the four men we are and have been discussing. Truly the Christian walk of faith itself is full of adventures, full of pleasant, thrilling surprises as we behold God’s marvelous providence and His leading of all those who, like Abraham, dare to step out in faith upon His promises. The very concept of faith suggests adventure; for faith moves ever forward, not knowing fully what lies ahead. If we could look ahead, we wouldn’t need faith; for then we would be walking by sight, and not by faith. The Christian life, therefore, is an adventure, a continual experience of new and thrilling revelations of God’s faithfulness, providence and love. Studying the lives of those great heroes of the faith from the past not only inspire us in our walk, but they also encourage us to keep our sight focused ahead and our hearts centered on the Holy Spirit as He leads us forward.

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” – Hebrews 11:8-10.

The Apostle Paul was right in comparing our walk of faith to a race for a trophy. It takes that kind of stamina, perseverance, endurance and patience to stay focused on the prize. Remember, he told us, to not look back, keep your eyes forward and in faith realize the prize in your hand! (Philippians 3:13-14). That is the very lives the patriarchs lived as examples for each of us.

Adapted and modified excerpts from Studies in the Life of Abraham by M. R. De Haan (1891-1964)
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.