This article has been updated to include more insights and reflections on Abraham’s faith journey. We have also revised the title to better reflect the message of the post. We hope these additions will further encourage and strengthen your walk with God.
Faith is one of the greatest gifts we can have, yet it is often tested in ways we never expect. Have you ever faced a moment where your faith was stretched to the limit? When everything in you wanted to trust God, but doubt and fear crept in?
One of the most powerful examples of tested faith in Scripture is Abraham. His unwavering trust in God—even in the darkest moments—offers us valuable lessons today.
Unlike human standards of testing, God’s ways often defy logic. He places us in situations where we can’t see the outcome, where trust is our only option. His methods may seem difficult, even unreasonable at times, but He is sovereign.
Who are we to question His ways?
S – Sensitivity to God’s Call
Every believer faces tests of faith, each presenting an opportunity to trust, obey, and grow closer to God. These tests may come in different forms, but their purpose remains the same—to refine our faith.
Abraham was no exception. Despite his old age, he encountered one of the greatest trials recorded in Scripture. In Genesis 22:1-19, God called him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac—a command that seemed unthinkable.
Yet, when God called, Abraham responded immediately: “Here I am!” (Genesis 22:1). His readiness teaches us a crucial lesson—faith begins with a willing heart. We may not always understand why God calls us to certain tasks, but we can trust that His plans are always for our good (Isaiah 6:8).
By staying attuned to God’s voice, we are better prepared to walk through the challenges He allows, knowing that each step of obedience draws us closer to Him.
E – Enthusiastic Obedience
Abraham did not hesitate when God commanded him to sacrifice Isaac. Early the next morning, he set out for Moriah (Genesis 22:3). His actions reveal a vital truth—obedience to God should be immediate and wholehearted, even when the task is difficult.
How often do we hesitate when God calls us to act? At times, we procrastinate, hoping He will change His mind. But delayed obedience is disobedience. If Abraham had stalled or questioned God’s command, he might have missed the opportunity to demonstrate his faith.
Likewise, when we delay, we risk missing the blessings that come with joyful and immediate obedience. Instead of waiting for perfect conditions or complete understanding, let our response be like Abraham’s: “I am ready, Lord. Let’s go!” (Jeremiah 29:11).
E – Endurance Through Trials
Obedience is just the beginning; endurance sustains us through the journey. Abraham’s trek to Moriah lasted three agonizing days—ample time for doubt and fear to take hold. Yet, he pressed on, trusting God despite the uncertainty.
Many of us face trials that feel unbearable. The road is long, and the temptation to turn back is strong. But like Abraham, we must keep our focus on God’s promises rather than our hardships (Philippians 3:13).
God does not allow difficulties to break us but to build us. As James 1:2-4 reminds us, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Trials refine us, strengthen our faith, and prepare us for greater things. The reward of endurance far outweighs the pain of the process.
D – Determined and Steadfast Faith
Faith is not just about starting strong—it’s about staying steadfast. Abraham’s determination never wavered. As he neared Moriah, he left his servants behind, recognizing that they might try to stop him (Genesis 22:5).
This act serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, obedience requires us to remove distractions and step forward in faith alone.
When Abraham raised the knife to sacrifice Isaac, his faith remained unshaken (Genesis 22:9-10). He believed that even in the face of the impossible, God would still fulfill His promise to make Isaac the father of many nations (Hebrews 11:17-19).
True faith is not about having all the answers—it’s about trusting God’s plan even when we don’t understand it. “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9). When God calls us to step out in faith, we must trust that He has already made a way.
Even when things don’t make sense, unwavering faith keeps us moving forward.
S – Surrender to God’s Will
Abraham’s ultimate test of faith was his willingness to surrender completely to God’s will. Despite the unimaginable sacrifice before him, he trusted that God had a greater plan. And just as Abraham lifted the knife, God intervened, providing a ram in place of Isaac (Genesis 22:11-14).
Surrendering to God can be one of the hardest aspects of faith. We often struggle to let go, wanting to maintain control. But true faith means releasing our grip and trusting that His ways are higher than ours (Proverbs 3:5-6). Like Abraham, we must come to a place where we say, “Lord, I trust You completely.”
Surrender does not mean passivity—it means aligning our will with God’s. Even Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed, “Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
When we surrender, we don’t lose—we align ourselves with His divine purpose, walking in the fullness of His plan.
What About Your Faith?
When God tests your faith, how do you respond? Do you find yourself complaining instead of obeying? Questioning instead of trusting? Abraham’s story reminds us that faith is more than just belief—it requires action.
In the end, God provided a ram as a substitute for Isaac (Genesis 22:11-14). Because Abraham trusted and obeyed, God reaffirmed His promise to bless him and his descendants (Genesis 22:15-19).
The same is true for us. When we step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings. Faith isn’t just about what we say—it’s about what we do.
So when your own test of faith comes, will you hold back in fear, or will you trust that God is in control? Are you willing to raise the knife, believing that He has already made a way?
Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Sensitivity to God’s Call
Abraham’s quick response to God’s call teaches us the importance of being attuned to His voice, even when His purpose is unclear.
2️⃣ Enthusiastic Obedience
Abraham obeyed without hesitation, showing us that true faith responds to God promptly and joyfully, even when the task is difficult.
3️⃣ Endurance Through Trials
Trials refine our faith, just as Abraham’s journey to Moriah tested his trust in God. We are called to persevere, keeping our eyes on His promises.
4️⃣ Determined and Steadfast Faith
Abraham’s faith remained strong despite uncertainties. True faith means trusting God’s promises, even when we don’t see the full picture.
5️⃣ Surrender to God’s Will
Abraham’s surrender teaches us that faith requires letting go of control and trusting God completely, even when obedience is difficult.
Recommended Resource:
The Testing of God’s Sons – eBook by Gregory S. Smith
This book explores the biblical theme of testing, showing how figures like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Job, and even Jesus were tested. Understanding these tests helps us grow in our own faith journeys. If you want to deepen your understanding of how God refines His followers, this resource is a great place to start.
Final Thoughts
When your faith is tested, remember the lessons from Abraham. Stay sensitive to God’s call, obey with enthusiasm, endure hardships, remain steadfast, and surrender to His will. Each test is an opportunity to trust Him more deeply.
God sees your struggles, and He honors those who trust Him completely. Keep pressing forward—your faith is the seed that leads to His abundant blessings.
No matter what challenge you face, know that God is faithful. He will not abandon you in your trials but will strengthen and sustain you through them. As you walk in faith, you will experience His peace, His provision, and the fulfillment of His promises.
Call to Action
Take a moment today to reflect: How is God calling you to trust Him more? Are you responding with faith and obedience? Surrender your fears to Him, knowing that He will never lead you where His grace cannot sustain you.
Hi.
I think it is very true that we don’t really like testing and also that it is a very good opportunity to grow in our faith.
Your study of Abraham’s faith was very enlightening, interesting and easy to comprehend. A very good teaching that makes one think about the state of their own faith. I liked how you divided it up to show the different aspects of that faith.
I think it is strange that if you take the first letters of your aspects, as I have done below, it spells seeds.
S – sensitive and submissive
E – enthusiastic
E – Endurant
D – Determined
S – Steadfast
Seeds of faith?
Jeannie
Hi Jeannie,
Thanks for your kind words.
Your profound thinking has inspired me more! I am sure that you are not only a keen observer but a very creative person too!
Yes, it’s sometimes saddening to know that we wanted to be blessed but not to be tested. Of course we know that it doesn’t work that way. God puts us into tests so He can bless us more!
God bless you, Jeannie!
Bro. Jess Cortez,
Thank you so much for the opportunity to reflect on the obedience of Abraham. Abraham must have had such faith in God his heart did not question the order to use Isaac as an offering. Abraham acted like somehow, he knew God would make it right if he surrendered and carried out God’s instructions.
Would you please pray for me, Bro. Jess, that I might find such faith? DDee
Hi Dee! Thank you for sharing your insights.
Although the bible is not explicitly narrating the inner feelings of Abraham at that time, he could be having a heavy sorrowful heart at that time. I am a father too and I could not imagine myself being in the shoes of Abraham. However, Abraham’s faith and love for God overcomes his personal sentiments and is a solid inspiration for us!
Praying for such faith as Abraham’s is a great step forward in leveling-up to a matured Christian life. I pray that God will prepare you for the desires of your heart!
God bless!
When it comes to personal faith, nothing, compared to the faith of Abraham, when he was obedient to God’s commandment, of offering to Him, his only beloved son, who he conceived when in his late 90s!
What an amazing sacrifice, really depicting The sacrifice God Himself went through with, when He sent His only begotten son, to earth, to be our propriation for our sin, on the cross at Calvary, once and for all!
Thank you Jesus…
Hi! Thanks for taking time to read and share your insights.
Indeed, Abraham’s faith in God is indisputable. He bears it through something that requires a genuinely obedient, submissive and a faithful heart.
Yes, it depicts the sacrifice of God himself only with the big difference that Jesus, the only begotten son of God who is spotless of sin, died and rose again for us!
God bless you!
for about 2 years my faith in god has flourished and I know that being a christian is way harder than being a normal person because it is not ourselves that we need to satisfy but it is god in Christ Jesus who live in us that we need to satisfy. We must live for him because he died for us and I believe that each and everyone of us has our own calling and purpose. Thank you for this wonderfully written blog. I hope and pray that more people will be encouraged by this 🙂
Hello Anfernee! As a Christian, we are living a new life out from darkness because of Jesus’ work on our salvation. Being cleansed by His blood, we were clothed with His robe of righteousness. We are the salt and the light of this world (see Matthew 5:13-16). Because of that, we have to live a righteous life and that makes it different from the life of others.
Harder life? Yes, I may say so, only if we focus more on the challenges rather than the greatness that the Lord Jesus Christ can do in our lives. We are heading to a victorious life with Him on our side.
Always have a joyful life because Jesus loves you!
I could never imagine how difficult it was for Abraham to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac. The Bible does not record Abraham’s emotional reaction but he must have felt terrible. We know from the Bible how long he and his wife Sara have waited for the fulfillment of God’s promise of an heir through whom He will bless the nations. Although God already knew Abraham’s faith, God wanted him to prove it through his action. But Abraham believed in God’s promise that he will become a father of many nations and that the nations will be blessed through him. So even if God would have really required Isaac’s life, He would still fulfill His promise to bless Abraham. It’s the same thing with us today. Although God will never ask us to literally kill or sacrifice someone we love so dear , He may ask us to give up something or someone to prove our love and commitment to Him. How do we respond when God tests our faith?
God is truly amazing in all His ways and because of His sovereignty, He owes nobody an explanation of whatever He works out in our lives. Anyways, God knows what is best for us… if we only learn to trust and obey!
The scriptures encourages us to put our faith into action. (James 2:17). This perhaps is to make our strength and weakness known to us.
In whatever circumstances, your response reflects the contents of your heart (Luke 6:45)
That is so true! God owes us nothing! God’s ways may seem harsh, irrational or dysfunctional from a human perspective but at the end of the day the sovereignty of God remains unquestionable and indisputable.
Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things of old, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.”
Are we going to bow down in submission to God or do we choose to question His actions in rebellion? The choice is ours!