Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. Genesis 15:16
In God's economy obedience equals blessings but not a trial-free life! Abram obeyed God by going to the land he would show him but he still had obstacles to overcome, like a famine! God shows us how human and imperfect all of these people were -- Abram lets fear overtake him in Egypt and LIES about Sarai. Abram was still a good guy, though, and definitely a good relative....he lets Lot choose which land he wants and then he has to go and rescue the guy! I love that he didn't want to take anything from the king so that God would get all the glory.
Footnote:
Although Abram had been demonstrating his faith through his actions, it was his belief in the Lord, not his actions, that made Abram right with God (Romans 4:1-5). We too can have a right relationship with God by trusting him. Our outward actions -- church attendance, prayer, good deeds -- will not by themselves make us right with God. A right relationship is based on faith -- the heartfelt inner confidence that God is who he says he is and does what he says he will do. Right actions will follow naturally as by-products.
NEED MORE FAITH??
Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith...Hebrews 12:2!
The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith...Luke 17!
Ephesians 2:8 says faith is a gift from God and that he has given each of us a measure of faith...Romans 12:3.
Scripture also says that faith comes from hearing the word of God....Romans 10:17!
Keep reading -- 360 days left!
All footnotes taken from the Life Application Study Bible, NIV.
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