Meditation
SLOW GROWTH IN FAITH
Text: Genesis 12-22
8 July 2018
THE GROWTH OF FAITH
All living things need to grow. Faith may be thought of as something alive. As such, it must also grow. It takes years for a baby to grow to full maturity! It takes just as long for faith to grow!
THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM
Abraham may be cited as an example of how faith must grow. Many are the lessons we can learn from him.
- The Commencement of Faith
a) The Scriptures note that he was 75 years of age when God called him Genesis 12:4
b) The reality of his faith was evidenced in the steps of faith he took
i) His obedience to God in leaving Haran
ii) His journey to the foreign land of Canaan
c) He grew in his knowledge of God through: –
i) Experiencing God’s protection in Egypt Genesis 12
ii) Heeding God’s leading to return to Canaan Genesis 12
- The Cultivation of Faith
a) Abram did his part in cultivating his faith as best he could
b) Note the following things he did:
i) He built altars to worship the Lord Genesis 12: 9
ii) In significant places he would raise up altars to call upon God Genesis 13:4
iii) He would listen when the Word of the Lord came to him Genesis 15:4
- Keeping in Close Communion with God
a) This was something that Abraham sought to do
b) There were missteps along the way
c) But he kept in communion with God
i) In worship
ii) In prayer
iii) In times of testing
OUR CHALLENGE TODAY
Let us determine to do our part to cultivate the growth of our faith!
- Through instruction
From the Word of God primarily.
- Through inspiration
From the lives of people who live inspiringly.
- Through application
Through faithful application of our faith in daily life!
Growth of faith may be slow, but let there be determination on our part to cultivate our faith in the Lord!