Topical Encyclopedia Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, renowned for his faith and patience. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man who trusted in God's promises despite numerous challenges and delays.Call and Promise Abraham's journey of faith begins in Genesis 12 when God calls him to leave his homeland and promises to make him a great nation. "The LORD said to Abram, 'Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing'" (Genesis 12:1-2). This promise required Abraham to exercise patience, as the fulfillment was not immediate. Waiting for an Heir One of the most significant tests of Abraham's patience was the promise of an heir. Despite God's assurance that he would have numerous descendants, Abraham and his wife Sarah remained childless for many years. In Genesis 15:5, God reassures Abraham, saying, "Look now at the heavens and count the stars, if you are able. Then He told him, 'So shall your offspring be.'" Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). However, the wait was long, and at times, Abraham and Sarah struggled with doubt. In Genesis 16, Sarah suggests that Abraham have a child with her maidservant Hagar, leading to the birth of Ishmael. This decision reflects a momentary lapse in patience, yet God reaffirms His promise to Abraham, emphasizing that Sarah will bear a son. Fulfillment of the Promise The fulfillment of God's promise comes when Abraham is 100 years old, and Sarah is 90. In Genesis 21:1-2, the Bible records, "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." The birth of Isaac is a testament to Abraham's enduring patience and faith in God's timing. The Ultimate Test Abraham's patience and faith are further tested in Genesis 22, where God commands him to sacrifice Isaac. Despite the seemingly contradictory nature of this command, Abraham obeys, demonstrating his unwavering trust in God. Hebrews 11:17-19 reflects on this event, highlighting Abraham's belief that God could raise the dead, thus showcasing his profound patience and faith. Legacy of Patience Abraham's life is a profound example of patience intertwined with faith. His willingness to wait on God's promises, even when circumstances seemed impossible, sets a standard for believers. Romans 4:20-21 states, "Yet he did not waver through disbelief in the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised" . Abraham's account encourages believers to trust in God's timing and remain patient, even when the fulfillment of His promises seems delayed. His life exemplifies the virtue of patience as a vital component of a faithful walk with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:15And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Patience Both Antecedent and Subsequent to Faith. But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the ... Kingdom and Patience The True Gnostic Exercises Patience and Self-Restraint. Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac The Faith of Abraham. Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision Treatise ix. On the Advantage of Patience. Resources What does the Bible say about forbearance? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love is patient? | GotQuestions.org How and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org Patience: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Patience: Christ, an Example of Patience: Exercise, Towards All Patience: General Scriptures Concerning Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar Patience: Ministers Approved By Patience: Ministers should Follow After Patience: Necessary to the Inheritance of the Promises Patience: Saints Strengthened to All Patience: should be Accompanied by Faith Patience: should be Accompanied by Godliness Patience: should be Accompanied by Joyfulness Patience: should be Accompanied by Long-Suffering Patience: should be Accompanied by Temperance Patience: should Have Its Perfect Work Patience: Suffering With, for Well-Doing, is Acceptable With God Patience: The Congregation at Ephesus Patience: The Congregation at Thyatira Patience: The Thessalonian Christians Patience: They Who are in Authority, should Exercise Patience: To be Exercised: Bearing the Yoke Patience: To be Exercised: Bringing Forth Fruits Patience: To be Exercised: Running the Race Set Before Us Patience: To be Exercised: Tribulation Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for Christ Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for God's Salvation Patience: To be Exercised: Waiting for the Hope of the Gospel Patience: To be Exercised: Well-Doing Patience: Trials of Saints Lead To Related Terms Steadfastness (15 Occurrences) Longsuffering (17 Occurrences) Long-suffering (23 Occurrences) |
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