Day 9 – Genesis: Character map of Abraham

“And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.” James 2:23 NLT

Strengths and accomplishments

Abraham had faith that was pleasing to the Lord and counted him as a friend. He was the ancestor of God’s chosen nation through the promise God made him. He was a caring father to his own family and practised hospitality to others. He was wealthy and successful as a rancher and highly respected by other nations. Usually, Abraham avoided conflict, but when unavoidable he allowed his opponent to set the rules for settling the dispute gaining favor with them.

Weaknesses and mistakes

Along with his wife Sarai, they tried to fulfil God’s promise of a son on their terms leading to disobedience and bitterness. When under pressure, Abraham would distort the truth, like lying that beautiful Sarah was his sister.

Life lessons from Abraham’s story

God desires dependence, trust, and faith in Him and not faith in our ability to please him. From the beginning, God made Himself known to all people and did so with Abraham and gave him a promise of a nation as many as the sand of the sea. Abraham learned, and so should we, that God’s timing is perfect and that trying to force God’s promises into action leads to bitterness and striving.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that Abraham’s character teaches us so much of our own. May we live each day in righteousness and faith and hold on to the fulfilment of Your promises in Your perfect time, just as You gave Jesus to this world in Your perfect time. Amen.