God's Overall Plan

         The promise regarding his descendants was a little more than tricky. You see, Sara, his wife, was barren. So could Abraham believe that God could and would fulfill a promise to make Abraham’s descendants more numerous than the stars in the sky? Would Abe trust God enough to leave his familiar and comfortable life in Haran to travel to a strange land and start all over? Would you?
          Specifically for our understanding of faith, this example reveals our need to have faith in God’s overall plan for our lives. Even though Abraham could not begin to envision the many challenges and difficulties awaiting him in this new adventure, he determined in his head and heart to follow God…to do it God’s way.
          We also need to walk by faith and be capable of hearing God’s voice in terms of direction and vocation. I fear that many young Christians mouth a prayer or two for guidance but spend little time vigorously seeking God for their overall direction. “God, is this the career you want me to study and pursue? Is this the place you want me to be? Open the doors You want me to walk through and close every other door.” For me, the most blessed assurance of God’s will is a peace in my heart regarding that uncertain path.
          God did relate to Abraham the final promises/blessings that he would receive, but, other than that, Abraham had little idea about his future. It would be revealed a little at a time as he followed God step by step. But this first step was a huge step of obedience for Abraham. Abraham determined to trust completely in God and His promises.    This is faith.
         The same question is posed to every one of us at some point in our lives. Each of us will likewise either make a life-changing decision to follow God and His will or declare ourselves to be “god” (like Adam and Eve) and follow our own plan. Let me know how that one works out for you.
          So this passage informs us that Abraham obeyed God and traveled to this new land by faith. After arrival he settled into the land of Canaan and lived there by faith. Even though it was probably pretty tough for his family for a lengthy period of time as they rebuilt their new lives, (including living in tents like foreigners, Hebrews 11:13), he continued to trust in God’s plan and promises.
         Furthermore, Abraham understood that there are more (in number) and more exquisite blessings beyond (outside of this “seen” world). This passage states that Abraham looked for a future reward, a heavenly home, a city called the New Jerusalem that God has prepared for his children. Granted, there would be blessings and promises fulfilled on earth, but this “spiritual” reward would be his ultimate reward.
 
NOT PERFECT
          Let me reiterate. These faithful examples in Hebrews Eleven were “everyday people” like you and me. They are not recorded in history for all future generations to read and marvel at because they were smarter, stronger, more creative, prettier, or more talented than anyone else.
          Their success had absolutely nothing to do with any individual characteristic or strength within themselves. On the contrary, their success in heaven’s eyes was solely due to a dependence, a reliance, a confidence, a hope, and a trust in something or Someone entirely outside of themselves. This is faith!