Friend of God

Jas. 2:23

"'Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness'--and he was called the friend of God."

Abraham is the example of an active faith. When God called him to pack up and move to a land that he did not know, he went. How hard would that be to leave family and home, everything familiar, everything comfortable? Yet, because he had faith in God, he obeyed.  After he got to this new land, God once again asked him to have faith in the promise that he would be the father of many nations when he and Sarah were old and had no children. Yet, because he had faith in God, he waited. Then after the Isaac was born, God asked him to sacrifice this child on a altar. Unbelievable! What parent could willingly do this? But without questioning, he went up the mountain with Isaac bringing all that he needed for the sacrifice. Because he had faith in God, he was willing to obey even in this. Thankfully, God stepped in at the last moment providing a ram. But in all of these monumental instances, Abraham's faith resulted in unwavering obedience. He was willing to travel, to wait, and to sacrifice because God was his priority.  

Because of this faith, it was counted to Abraham as righteousness. Not only that but he was called The friend of God. Wow! Abraham's life is an example to me of what my faith should be. I must believe God to the degree that I obey and not just be satisfied with feeling convicted or half hearted obedience. When the Spirit of God touches my heart, I need to respond eagerly and immediately. Faith coupled with obedience is the stuff of friendship, friendship with God. This is the path that leads to a friendship with God! 

Faith + Obedience = Friendship

Father,

Grow my faith into one that obeys instantly.  Mold my heart into Your image so that I might be called Your friend. 

In Jesus name,

Amen