who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Good morning friends. Abraham is known to most Christians as the father of faith. His epic story is one that has always been a source of inspiration to pilgrims the world over, and one that still provides that vital boost of spiritual nourishment to trillions living by faith today. He pioneered something new, something different, something extraordinary, something powerful, something of transcending value. He was a seeker; seeking the true essence of his existence, and by divine providence he connected with the almighty. I say by divine providence dear friends because many have embarked on the same quest, only to arrive at the wrong end.
In the words of the psalmist:
Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.
His faith sparked a flame that caught heaven’s attention; a paradigm shift exemplified by the Canaanite woman when Jesus probed her faith further. This woman had been on the caseload of His disciples, seeking their intervention for her demon possessed daughter, in frustration they were forced to pass her over to Him. When she finally got an audience with Jesus, the following dialogue ensued:
Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, help me!” But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.” And she said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Friends, Abraham had an encounter that completely changed his life. One that inspired him to leave his tribe, his people, his past and present; for a future known, yet uncertain. He traded his reality for a big dream, he risked all, living dangerously for something he didn’t fully comprehend himself. But through the process of time, he learnt some invaluable virtues. He had learnt to conquer his fears, starve his doubts, and most importantly; he learnt to be selfless.
Abraham was blind to earthly kingdoms:
for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
So much so that God ratified his faithfulness with a covenant He swore into Himself. So, in closing I am reminded of the words of the patriarchs in honour of his legacy and blind faith:
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
ISBN 13 (Paperback): 9781496975379
ISBN 13 (Hardbound): 9781496975386
~ Sabali
Healingsprings fellowship 