Faith comes by hearing

Romans 10:17

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Abraham, the old testament patriarch is also known as the father of faith. He indeed believed in God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Does that mean that throughout his life he was trusting God?

In Genesis 12 God commands Abraham to leave his relatives and put his trust in Him. Abraham did step out but he took Lot with him. Was Abraham completely trusting in God’s promises or was he hoping that Lot would become his heir?

In Genesis 12:9-10, we see Abraham fleeing to Egypt when a famine strikes. Was he trusting God for his provision? Also when he was in Egypt he lies about his wife. Did he lack trust in God’s protection?

Right after that God appears to Abraham and renews His promise (Genesis 13:16).

God reminds His promise again in Genesis 15. Abraham was still childless and figures Eliezer, his steward to be the heir. To whom God blatantly clarifies that he was going to have his own son.

In Genesis 16, Abraham gives into Sarah’s wishes and fathers Ismael. Was Abraham being faithful to God’s calling?

We see God reaffirming His promise again in Genesis 17 and 19.

Finally he lies again about his wife to Abimelech (Genesis 20) and God had to intervene and set things right.  

Throughout Abraham’s life we can see God’s faithfulness in his life. And after each time Abraham failed to trust in God, God would reaffirm and renew His promises. He later on becomes the great man of faith who obeys God in the ultimate sacrifice (Genesis 22). During his journey he was being taught by God’s faithfulness to put his trust in God. Each time God renewed His promise, his faith would be strengthened upon hearing God’s word.  

Having trouble in trusting God? Then let us open our ears and hear Him reaffirm His promises to us. Faith indeed comes by hearing.

Samuel Thomas (Sam)

Sam is a Christian minister who is serving the Lord in various capacities. He is an integral part of MTU, New Delhi and is also ministering with Crossway Church. He can be reached on samvthom16@gmail.com