faith

- Genesis: Abraham's life of faith

- He was tempted to settle in the city of "Sin", on his way to the promiseland, but with faith that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham, his family moved on 

- Isaac = laughter - this serves as a double reminder of Sarah and Abraham's laughter in mocking God of the idea that they, in their old age, would be able to bear a child, and laughter in joy at God's ability to fulfill his promises despite seemingly imposssible ideas.

- About the fulfillment of promises: 

- fulfillment may come without fanfare

- fulfillment may come with new challenges

- If we look at specific details of Abraham's life, we see may times when he swayed, and was not faithful (eg. Hagar and Ishmael), yet, in Herews, Abraham's life is described as one of great faith.

- Hebrews 11:8 - By faith, Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien n the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, hwose architect and builder is God. By faith, even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore, there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.... 

- Abraham's life was NOT perfect. He did make bad choices, yet God recognized his life as one of faith. So we should not feel ashamed of our inadequacies or imperfectness of our lives. If we have faith, the Lord will see our perseverence. He does not expect perfection - because perfection is through Christ in us. So remember, patience (perseverence/faith) does NOT equal perfection! Let strivings cease! And let us just rest boldly, with confidence at the throne of grace and mercy! (Hebrews 4)