NIV Once-A-Day Bible Men And Women Of The Bible DevotionalSample

THE RISK OF FAITH Travel packages are offered with numerous insurance policies. Our material possessions of value — ​jewelry, hobby collections, etc. — ​have legal papers to assure passage of title to proper heirs. We have built layers of security around every important move we make. In the ancient world, Abraham moved about by his wits, his strength and — ​unusual for his time — ​radical faith in one God, Jehovah, the “I am.” Faith gave Abraham his security. God would be Abraham’s protector; God would prosper his life; God would take fear from Abraham’s heart and give him courage. God, who sent this man into foreign territory, would show him truth that no one had uncovered. All of this for Abraham, and all of it by faith. Abraham could have said, “No way!” when God told him to move. After all, such a move would involve too little assurance and too much risk. Abraham, however, heard the Lord speak — ​alone, in visions, with unprecedented clarity — ​and believed. Life today gains richness and meaning as we put our faith in God, stretching resources, exhausting energies, pressing toward promises generously given to us throughout the Bible’s amazing story. We need to experience Abraham’s freedom, the liberty and joy of trusting in our shield and reward. We need to trust in God. PRAYER Lord, you are my hiding place . . . READ Abraham’s story is told in Genesis 11 – 25. Abraham is also mentioned in Exodus 2:24; Acts 7:2 – 8; Romans 4; Galatians 3; Hebrews 2; 6 – 7; 11 and James 2:21 – 24.