THE DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

Faith is what God treasures most in His children. James 2:23-24 says, “‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness’ … You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” This and many other similar verses say exactly the same thing – that faith is very important to God.

Abraham is the only man in the Bible who is called a friend of God. How do you think he earned this title? He wasn’t a perfect man, because twice he offered up his own wife as his sister in order to save his own neck. So why was he called a friend of God? Because Abraham was a man of faith. He was a successful farmer, but when God told him to leave everything and go to an unknown destination, he didn’t hesitate. He had faith in God’s promise to give him a son, and God finally gave him a son by the name of Isaac. When God requested Abraham to give Isaac back, Abraham didn’t question the Lord (Gen. 22). That is complete and utter faith. God was so touched that He called Abraham His friend.

When we pray, it’s often just one-way traffic: us talking to God. But with Abraham it was a two-way street; he loved and obeyed God, and listened to His voice. He really was the father of faith. I want to encourage you to increase your faith so that God can call you His friend.

Lord, allow me to increase my faith and obedience to You in every area of life. Amen.