"And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised." {Romans 4:11,12} Why is Abraham called the father of "all those who believe." How did he demonstrate his faith?
By his response to God's command to leave his home. "...Get out of your country, from your family and from your father's house, to a land I will show you." {Genesis 12:1} When God called him to leave his home, Abraham asked no question; he left. "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." {Hebrews 11:8} Would you have that kind of faith if God called you to leave your home and family, having no idea where you were going? Abraham left because he trusted and believed in God.
By continually sacrificing to God. When God told Abraham He would give his descendants a land, Abraham built an altar (Genesis 12:7). Then he went to Bethel and built an altar there (Genesis 12:8). He built another in Hebron (Genesis 13:8). Abraham was never too busy to remember the importance of being thankful to and worshipping God.
By being unselfish. When the land became too small for Abraham and Lot to dwell together, what did Abraham do? "So Abram said to Lot, Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you take the left, then I will go to the right; or, if you go to the right, then I will go to the left." {Genesis 13:8,9} Why didn't he take the first choice; he was the elder? He trusted God to bless him wherever he was.
By offering Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old before God gave him the son He had promised him. He loved him greatly. When Isaac was a young lad God tested Abraham's faith. "Then He said, Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." {Genesis 22:2} How could Abraham do such a thing! Did he question God? Did he ask Him why? According to verse 3, he went up to the mountain with Isaac and would have taken Isaac's life had God not stilled his hand before he slew him. The Hebrew writer gives us some insight into Abraham's trust in God. "By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,... concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense." {Hebrews 11:17,19} Plainly put, Abraham believed that, through Isaac, God's promises would be fulfilled--he did not doubt God! He never questioned how God would accomplish what He had promised; Abraham trusted God, even with Isaac's life!
Do you have the type of faith that Abraham had? Do you trust God completely, without reservation or worry? Whenever God wants you to do something, do you find yourself questioning His wisdom? Why? God does nothing for us but good. He has promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5,6). He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Yes, we need to have the faith of Abraham and never doubt God's love for us!