Trust at the Crossroads
Life often brings us to a crossroads between fear and faith. The world feels more chaotic than ever—disasters, wars, broken homes, and spiritual crises. In this setting, Abraham's story isn't just ancient history—it’s a living model of how to trust God when nothing around you makes sense. His life proved that righteousness isn't earned by perfection, but granted through belief. This message invites you to trust a promise-keeping God who calls you righteous even before your external life lines up.
Fear Is Human—But There’s a Better Response
Times of crisis stir fear, and Scripture is honest about that. Luke says in the last days, "men’s hearts will fail them for fear.” But for Christians, fear isn't the end of the story. Even Abraham, though wealthy and favored, wrestled with disappointment and uncertainty. His longing for a child reflects our own wrestling with promises that feel delayed. In those painful waits, God calls us to exchange fear for faith.
Genesis 15: Look Up and Count the Stars
In Genesis 15, we find Abraham lamenting his childlessness—still no heir despite God’s promise. God responds by taking him outside and saying, “Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars… so shall your offspring be.” Abraham believed, and Scripture says, “God counted it to him as righteousness.”
This is pivotal. Abraham’s belief—before any visible fulfillment—was what made him right with God. It wasn't about evidence but about trust in God’s word. You, too, are called to look up and trust, not calculate or fix everything on your own.
Imputed Righteousness — A Gift, Not an Achievement
“Imputed righteousness” means God credits you as righteous because of faith, not behavior. That’s what happened with Abraham, and also the thief on the cross—declared righteous not through works, but through belief.
This shifts everything. You're not working for God's approval; it's a gift received through faith. That belief changes how you live—but it starts by receiving, not achieving.
So what does that look like practically?
- Faith-based righteousness means your standing with God doesn’t vanish when you stumble.
- Spiritual growth begins with assurance, not anxiety.
- God perfects what He begins—He credits first, cultivates next.
God isn’t overlooking your flaws; He’s beginning a transformation that will unfold over time.
Genesis 22: The Supreme Test
Years after Isaac is born, God tells Abraham: “Offer your son, your only son.” It’s the ultimate test—give up what God gave. Abraham proceeds in faith, trusting that even if Isaac dies, God can still fulfill His promise.
This test wasn’t punishment—it revealed Abraham’s heart. True faith trusts even when God's command seems to contradict His promise. At the last moment, God provides a ram. Abraham names the place, Jehovah Jireh—"The LORD will provide.”
This moment points directly to Jesus—the Lamb who dies in our place.
Why Abraham’s Story is Your Story Too
His story gives you practical encouragement:
- Assurance precedes transformation. God counted Abraham righteous while his journey was still messy.
- Grace promotes growth. Righteousness by faith is not a pass to stay stagnant—it’s the power to obey.
- Failure doesn’t cancel your calling. Abraham made mistakes, yet God still used him.
- Faith will be tested. But God’s tests clarify where your trust lies—on the Giver or the gift.
When you trust that God can credit righteousness now and grow it in you later, you no longer agonize over being "enough." You rest in the truth: God is enough.
Modern Grace: Jared and Ashley’s Story
From Kerrville, Texas comes a modern example that mirrors Abraham’s path. Jared and Ashley were drowning—addiction, chaos, hopelessness. Welcomed into a local church, they experienced the patient grace of faithful believers who refused to give up on them.
Jared, a struggling former Marine, resisted a cold-water recovery program—until he remembered Christ's sacrifice. If Jesus could die for him, he could face discomfort. That moment wasn't magic—but was transformative. He changed, their marriage healed, and their lives now declare: grace works.
Real obedience. Real struggle. Real change. Just like Abraham.
Walking By Faith: Six Practical Steps
If you’re longing to grow in faith, here’s how Abraham’s story meets you today:
- Look Up. When life feels barren, go outside. Remember: God made stars with a word—He can renew your life.
- Confess Need. Stop striving. Admit your need, and let Jesus’ righteousness clothe you.
- Pursue Community. Find people who will walk with you, especially when faith wavers.
- Obey in the Small. Start with small faith steps—prayer, Scripture, forgiveness.
- Expect Tests. Trials often don't make sense—but they forge trust.
- Celebrate Grace. Worship regularly, whether through song, Scripture, or communion. Let the Lamb’s substitution shape your joy.
When Growth Feels Slow… Remember Abraham
Like Abraham, you may face delays. Years passed between promise and fulfillment. Here’s how to persevere:
- Recite God’s Promises. Keep a verse handy—God’s Word beats back doubt.
- Track Progress. Write down spiritual wins, no matter how small.
- Pray for Faith. Even the desire to believe is a gift—ask for it.
- Stay in Worship. God’s Word reshapes your heart over time.
Conclusion: The Mountain Awaits
Abraham’s life proves this: God doesn’t wait until you're perfect to begin His work. He credits you righteousness by faith, then grows that righteousness into visible obedience.
One day, like Abraham, you’ll look back from your own mountaintop and see: God kept every promise.
Don’t wait to be worthy. Just look up. Trust that He will provide.
Jehovah Jireh. The LORD will provide.
A Prayer for You:
Heavenly Father, we praise You. Thank You for the gift of righteousness through Jesus, and for growing us in grace. Teach us to trust like Abraham, to obey even when it doesn’t make sense, and to live in readiness for Christ’s return. Recreate us, cleanse us, and make us like Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.
If you would like to listen to the sermon this article was based on click here