Faith for Living.
Today we start looking at faith – and we are starting by looking at the faith of Abraham. Faith we can understand as a step of confidence in response to God reaching out to us.
One of the big things that we discover is that it is a journey along which God encourages us to trust Him. The degree and how we include God as we live our daily lives can result in a friendship. James 2:23 calls Abraham a friend of God. Jesus tells us that we are also are His family and His friends if we do what He tells us to do – to do what God wants (Mark 3:34, John 15:14). 
Using our spiritual gifts in one of the ways that God wants us to take a step of trust. It is a learning experience walking with God. As His friends, God expects us to build His Church family in love and to shine a light for others to see and meet with Him.
Abraham grew up in a pagan world, where performance and sacrifice was seen as the only way to relate to a god – and potentially manipulate them to do what the worshipper wanted.
The God who called him was different. Abraham had to step out and follow a living God who called, promised unconditional relationship, and who gave visions and dreams. Abraham grew a friendship that was even visible to those who had dealings with him. He was also known as the man whom God included and discussed His plans with.
Faith that steps out day by day in trust of God is the faith for living – and growing a treasured relationship. It is worth it.
– David Havill
