Abraham’s Faith: Trusting God Against All Odds
Main Text: Genesis 12–22 (focus on chapters 12, 15, and 22)
Main Point: True faith believes God’s promises even when the path is unclear—and obeys even when the cost is high.
Opening Scripture
“And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.”
—Genesis 15:6 (ESV)
Introduction
What is faith? Not just a word we say at church. Not just a vague belief in something bigger than ourselves. Faith—real faith—is trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible.
Abraham is called the father of faith, not because he was perfect, but because he believed God. When there were no guarantees… when the odds were against him… when obedience came at great personal cost—Abraham trusted.
In a world of uncertainties, we can learn from Abraham’s journey what it means to walk by faith and not by sight.
Faith Begins with Obedience (Genesis 12:1–4)
“Now the Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.’ … So Abram went, as the Lord had told him.”
—Genesis 12:1, 4 (ESV)
God didn’t give Abraham a map. He gave him a command and a promise.
“Go… and I will show you.”
That’s how faith works—it begins with obedience before the outcome is visible.
Modern Application:
God may ask you to move in a new direction—physically, emotionally, spiritually—before you know all the answers. Faith obeys even when the full picture is not revealed.
Faith Holds On to the Promise (Genesis 15:1–6)
“Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
—Genesis 15:1 (ESV)
But Abraham responds honestly:
“O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless?” (v.2)
God had promised descendants. But Abraham was old. Sarah was barren. The promise seemed impossible.
Yet God takes him outside:
“Look toward heaven, and number the stars… So shall your offspring be.” (v.5)
And then the key verse:
“And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” (v.6)
Modern Application:
Faith is not about pretending everything is easy. It’s about trusting God’s Word even when our circumstances say otherwise.
Faith Is Tested (Genesis 22:1–14)
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’”
—Genesis 22:1 (ESV)
God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac—the son of promise.
This is the ultimate test. Will Abraham trust God’s character, even when God’s command doesn’t make sense?
Abraham obeys. He takes Isaac to Mount Moriah. He binds him. Raises the knife…
But God intervenes.
“Do not lay your hand on the boy… now I know that you fear God.” (v.12)
And there in the thicket—a ram caught by its horns.
“So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide.’” (v.14)
Modern Application:
Faith does not mean we will never face hardship.
It means that we trust God even when the test is severe, knowing that He will provide a way.
Faith Points to Christ
Romans 4:20–22 (ESV) says:
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith… fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.”
And Galatians 3:7 says:
“Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.”
Abraham’s story points to Jesus:
- A beloved Son, offered on the mountain.
- A sacrifice provided by God.
- A promise fulfilled through resurrection power.
Abraham believed that God could even raise the dead (Hebrews 11:19). And that’s the same kind of resurrection faith we hold today—that Christ died and rose again, and in Him, we too are made alive.
Conclusion: Walk by Faith
Abraham’s faith wasn’t perfect—but it was real.
- He doubted.
- He stumbled.
- He waited.
- He obeyed.
And in the end, he trusted God.
You and I are invited into that same journey today.
God may be calling you to go—trust Him.
You may be waiting on a promise—hold fast.
You may be facing a test—obey.
And always remember: God will provide.
“The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.”
—Psalm 145:13 (ESV)
Closing Prayer
Lord God,
You are the Promise Keeper, the Provider, and the God who sees and knows every step of our journey.
We thank You for the example of Abraham, who believed You when it didn’t make sense, and obeyed You when it wasn’t easy.
Help us to live by that kind of faith. Not a faith in ourselves, but a faith in You—Your Word, Your character, and Your promises.
Give us the courage to say “Yes” even when we don’t see the full road ahead. Give us the strength to wait when the promise tarries. And give us peace in the trials, knowing that You are with us, and You will provide.
We love You, Lord, and we trust You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.