Bold Faith

bible-genesis-618x320

bible-genesis-618x320

Bold Faith

November 11, 2015

When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, 318 of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan.

Genesis 14:14

A band of marauders from the East swept down in the Jordan Valley, routing cities, seizing loot and taking captives.

One of their captives was Lot, Abraham's nephew.

When Abraham received word of this capture, he could have easily responded, "That's not my problem, Lot chose to live in that ungodly city of Sodom. Besides, what can I do? They have a huge army!"

But Abraham does something which gives us insight into the fiber of the man. Abraham immediately calls all of his men together and he sets off in pursuit!

This is an enormous risk. There's no army in the ancient land of Canaan to protect him. No police force. No safety net. He's pursuing a marauding army that has captured five cities. He's undoubtedly outnumbered.

Yet, Abraham doesn't waver or hesitate.

Abraham is on a great adventure with God. People on the great adventure with God take risks. They take bold risks. They take bold risks by faith.

People of faith don't choose the easy way, the comfortable way, the predictable way, the safe way. They take risks because they sense that God will honor their faith and ultimately take care of them.

Are you on a great adventure with God? What is God calling you to that involves risk in some way? A new job? A new ministry? Breaking off an unhealthy relationship? Sharing your faith with a friend? Bringing the full tithe to God? Going on a missions trip? Saying "I'm sorry" to your spouse? Letting go of your anger? Joining a home group? Getting help for an addiction? Obeying God in a tough area? Asking others to pray for your health problem? Becoming a Christian? ...

Back to Abraham: What happens?

He catches the marauding army at night, launches a surprise attack (possibly while they are celebrating and drunk) and completely routs them, rescuing Lot and all the rest. God came through for the man of faith.

He'll do the same for you.