THE SIMPLICITY OF ABRAHAM | Northstar Church

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed by you.”- Genesis 12:1.

This had to be an unexpected call for Abraham. For many people, it would be a surprising response, but not for Abraham. He was one of the most fascinating characters in the Bible. His life was defined by steps of faith that would change the world.

The first record of God’s interaction with Abram is a straightforward command: “The LORD said to Abram: “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.” . . . So Abram departed as the LORD had instructed… (Genesis 12:1, 4).

It sounds pretty simple. The Lord said, and Abram did. That was all: no questions, no doubts, no excuses. You would think that request would prompt discussion about why, how all this will work, and most importantly, where I am going. Nope. He just left. The fact that he did what the Lord asked him to do would suggest that his allegiance, obedience, and trust were already there. “Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “I will give this land to your descendants.” And Abram built an altar there and dedicated it to the LORD, who had appeared to him.” (Genesis 12:7)

Again, there is no fact-finding dialogue. No questions. No reality check. Abram doesn’t have kids. His wife is already too old. But when God says Abram’s children will have the land, Abram doesn’t argue or question. He’s taking God at face value, believing that God is as God declares himself to be, and responding based on that. Abram’s humility gives him a shortcut to God’s heart. God doesn’t have to spend years convincing Abram of His trustworthiness, His power, and His love. It was simple: God promises, Abram believes.

We can trust in God’s promises. Psalms 119:140: “Your promises have been thoroughly tested; that is why I love them so much.” Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Romans 4:13 says, “Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by fait.” Romans 4:19-21 says, “…Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”

God’s promises have always been and always will be trustworthy. We can count on them. Don’t let discouragement or setbacks in your life make you give up on God’s promises. Even if you do not see what God is doing, He is active behind the scenes. He is there, and He will fulfill His promise. It is that simple.

Discussion Questions:

We can trust God, no matter how impossible the situation, because God always keeps His promises. Agree or disagree and why?
If you completely accepted God’s promises, how would that change how you look at fear?