Genesis 12:1-7, Hebrews 11:1–12 (read online ⧉)
“I will” is a major component in God’s sending statement for Abram. God will be doing a lot. It’s not, though, as if Abram will be doing nothing. He’ll be doing a lot of traveling, caring for his herds, caring for his people. In fact, much of his daily life was caring and leading others.
There have been 2 major trains of thought when it comes to God’s sovereignty. The first (overly simplified) view is that God sets everything in motion, and we are effectively puppets. The other (again, overs simplified view) is that God gave free will to humankind with God’s will (i.e., “I will”) still very much in play. How this later view works out is somewhat of a mystery, which is why many oppose it. On the other hand, with what we know of God through the Scriptures, this understanding (despite the mystery) is the most harmonious with God’s nature/character.
The balance between I did and God did is not always a hard line. For example, if the church doubled in attenders next week, would it be God or would it be word of mouth or would it be advertising? Or would it be a combination of them all? That’s the rub for many. People want a cause and effect so they know the path they are and will be walking on. Yet, that’s the whole point of Abram’s faith story, including how the author of Hebrews refers to it.
We are called to walk by faith in the direction that we have discerned (for few have had that “God encounter” that can provide some guidance). We have to walk the best we are able, including reading the Scriptures, talking to friends, and talking to those who are also on their own walk to follow Jesus.
Whether we a looking to the next decade, year, month, week, day, hour, or even second, all we possibly do is to step forward in faith, one step at a time.
1) What things in your life are you having to “trust in faith” right now? Why?
2) What can you do to make sure that you are doing your part to follow the path of faith? Why do you think that is your part? Are you sure you have no other part? How?