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So what are the promises that affliction forced Abraham to test? Look again at Hebrews 11:8-19. Here are four possible questions Abraham may have thought or at least felt:
1. WHERE IS THIS PROMISED PLACE WE’RE GOING? 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
o Sometimes we think that about Heaven right? Is it worth so much sacrifice here and now? Do I really need to be a pilgrim and stranger here?
o When you face questions like this it is time to test the promises of God – and find that He is more than enough for whatever we need!
2. HOW WAS THIS PROMISED SON POSSIBLE? 11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
o Sometimes we face obstacles that seem as impossible as a woman who never had children bearing a son at 90, with a hundred-year-old husband! What do you know God has called you to do that seems impossible to accomplish?
o When you face questions like this it is time to test the promises of God – and find that He is more than enough for whatever we need!
3. WHEN WAS THIS PROMISED INHERITANCE HAPPENING? 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had the opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
o When you face questions like this it is time to test the promises of God – and find that He is more than enough for whatever we need!
4. WHY DOES GOD WANT THIS GREAT OF A SACRIFICE? 17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
o When you face questions like this it is time to test the promises of God – and find that He is more than enough for whatever we need!