The great father of faith Abraham came from an idol-worshipping family (Joshua 24:2). Abraham’s father Terah not just worshiped other gods, but also made and sold idol images for a living. This fact was documented in the Midrash, a form of rabbinic literature important to Judaism. For generations, the family ran an idol shop, which Abraham eventually inherited.
When Abraham was 75 years old, the word of God suddenly fell on him. The Lord commanded him to leave his home, his father, his people and his friends — literally severing all bonds. Abraham was asked to go to a land that God showed to him in a vision. God promised Abraham a great nation, name and blessing (Genesis 12:1-2). So, Abraham went as far as the Lord told him to go (Genesis 12:4).
Did the father of faith know where to go? No. Instead, he followed by faith. “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8, NIV)
However, we still need to ask ourselves what kind of faith Abraham possessed. Was it just a blind faith?
Perhaps the testimony of this blind lady Kim Wickes will help us understand about Abraham’s faith more deeply:
“I’m blind. When people guide me, they don’t say there is something 100 yards ahead. They just say ‘there is a puddle in front of you, go over it’ or ‘there is a stairway, put your foot on the step’. When I trust the person who guides me, I take one step, then step by step, eventually I will surly arrive at my destination.
It is the same in the way that God leads us. We don’t know what will happen in 10 years, 20 years … and we don’t try to know. With faith as I obey God who shows me what to do today and live today, then God will lead tomorrow and finally He will let my life reach the destination where He promised and planned for me.”
In other words, Abraham did not rely on blind faith. He constantly listened, and trusted in God’s guidance.
Though we may not be physically blind, many of us are indeed spiritually blind. With blind faith, we live directionless and without purpose. Yes, of course we cannot see into our future like an oracle. However, we can trust in one important fact- our faithful and loving God will never disappoint us, or leave us alone. He will bless us and lead us to glorification.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)
As long as we trust in God and His love, He will keep His Word. The Lord is faithful, and He will always lead us to the place where He wants us to be. And He makes our life glorified.
By Christy Tran
Bible Portal Contributor
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