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Puez-Odle Nature Park, South Tyrol, Italy. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.
Daily Devotion

Forward by Faith

Obedience is often uncomfortable, sometimes difficult—but staying the course always leads to blessing.

Genesis 12:4-9

Faith can be dulled when we are focused on our own comfort rather than God’s plan. Abraham did not fall into this trap. He traded the familiar for the unknown and received many blessings.

Living by faith is the correct response when God calls us to move forward—and His call can come at any time, regardless of our age or position. Abraham was 75 when he began his journey, whereas David was still a boy when he was anointed as king (1 Sam. 16:11-13). And Paul, at the height of his power and strength, was en route to arrest Jewish believers in Damascus when he encountered the Lord (Acts 9:1-6).

Following God will also include times of testing. Abraham, like all of us, had some successes and some failures. The initial call to leave his country was met with strong belief and immediate action. As a result, the Lord promised a great blessing for him and his descendants. But a famine brought a different response—a sojourn to Egypt, deception about his relationship with Sarah, and chastisement from Pharaoh. Our response to God matters.

Obeying the Lord can be uncomfortable. But faith will keep us moving forward in obedience. It helps us stay the course and experience the blessings found in a relationship with Christ.

Bible in One Year: Joshua 13-15