Topic : Abraham : A friend of God and a man of great faith
Text : Isaiah 41 : 8

What a great honour and privilege to be called a friend of the most high God. At times friend (trusted) are closer to one more than family members.
Secrets are better shared with trusted friend than close relatives most times. Abraham enjoyed this and any more from God for being HIS friend.
Abraham was living in Ur of the Chaldeas, a developed and civilized place that practiced idolatry grossly.
It's an environment that is saturated with corruption and wickedness because of their idolatry practices.
This is the kind of situation Abraham found himself and one can imagine that he would have been following the footsteps of his forefathers in worshipping the deities before he encountered God
God called him out of the idolatry practices to live a separated life - a life of faith in HIM and forsook his old ways of living. Genesis 12 : 1
Abraham, the father of faith, though he was in his comfort zone followed God without any reservations despite the fact he didn't know where he was going. No wonder he was blessed and his name keeps on reverberating in the scriptures.
At this juncture, it is pertinent to note that when God calls, HE doesn't forced people to obey the call, rather HE gives room for one to refuse the call, obey the call without reservation or with reservation.*
As for Abraham, he chose to obey the call of God without without reservation and he was blessed for this.

Lessons to learn from Abraham in walking with God

1. He heard the call of God, yielded to it and began his spiritual journey.
This can be found in Genesis 11 : 31 to 12 : 9
How do we handle the call of God upon our lives? We should remember that God will not force us, but will give the chance to refuse, to obey the call with or without reservation.
One can receive the call of God through the scriptures among other means.

2. He faced famine and went down to Egypt
In Genesis 12 : 10 - 20, when there was famine in the land, instead for him to look up or go up to the one that called him, rather he went *down* to Egypt where he lied to survive.
Having been called into faith in God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ does not portray that one will not encounter some challenges.
The question is how do we handle these challenges?
Going down to wherever in time of difficulty means seeking for solution in worldly way which will mal one's character and thus negatively affect one's relationship with God
Looking up and going up to the one that called, who is forever faithful and is able to deliver and safe to the uttermost is the only option when faced with challenges.

3. He came back to Canaan
Thank God he realised his mistake and took the necessary steps to please God again. His humility is obvious.
When we realised our shortcomings, how do we handle them?
Is it with I don't care attitude, or that God understands, or with a remorseful heart of repentance?
God shall help us to humble ourselves before HIM in Jesus mighty name, amen.

4. He separated from Lot
Though so close to Lot, but he has to be separated from him to avoid conflict so as not to make God angry.
What is that thing in our lives that is so dear to us, but is constantly making us to displease God, it may be friend, games etc. If Abraham can do this to his blood relation, then we can as well do away with things that are capable of bringing conflict into our relationship with God.

5. He delivered Lot
In Genesis 13 : 1 - 18, when Lot was captured with his family, Abraham out of love, though they are not together, went all the way to rescue him and all his things.
The scriptures admonish us to love our enemies and do good to those that hate us.
 
6. He paid his tithe
He was faithful in paying his tithe to Melchizedek. He was not a defaulter in this regard.
Today, so many anti - tithe crusaders are all over the place, but brethren as we do claim to be Abraham ' s  children, we should be faithful in paying our tithe and other financial obligations.
Remember HE is the all - knowing God, thus HE knows our capabilities.
Grace to be faithful in all, God shall grant unto us in Jesus mighty name, amen.

7. He got a renewed promises from God.
What a great reward for being faithful! !
In Genesis 15 : 1 - 21, especially in verse 1, immediately after he paid the tithe faithfully,  God rewarded him greatly and renewed HIS promises to him afresh.
This shows us that when we do things that please HIM, HE is bound to shower HIS love upon us the more

8. He yielded to pressure and had a son in his own way
In Genesis 16 : 1 - 16, his wife advised him to do the needful in order to have a child, and he bowed to the pressure and had a child outside of wedlock.
It is unfortunate that that singular action of Abraham has been a thorn in the flesh of Christian since then to this present time and will continue to be until Christ Jesus comes back.
Brethren, as a Christian, we can seek for counsel from those that are close to us like Pastors, Parents, friends  and co, but we should always cross check any counsel given with the scriptures and not to accept everything hook line and sinker.
God’s way is always the best route, though it may seem rough and untarred, but the end of it is glorious.

9. He was called to perfection
After he had a son in his own way, God saw his state of imperfection and HE called him to be perfect in his walk before HIM.
The question is, is it possible to walk perfectly in this present world?
Yes brethren, it is possible because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ made it possible for us. What we need to do is just to be in Him.

10. He entertained strangers
Not knowing that the strangers are heavenly visitors, but due to his generousity and kindness, he took good care of them.
What was the outcome of this act? He was handsomely rewarded for it. Genesis 18 : 1 - 16 makes us to understand that his wife also cooperated with him in entertaining the visitors, thus she was blessed also and God made her to laugh at last. What a lovely family...
How often do we show love and kindness to even brethren not to talk of strangers?
Remember the scriptures say we should do good to all especially to those of the house of faith.

11. He supplicated for Sodom and his prayer saved Lot.
In Genesis 18 : 17-22 and 19 : 27-29, we see how Abraham as a friend of God, after he entertained the heavenly visitors prayed earnestly for the deliverance of Sodom after God has revealed what HE was about to do to Sodom
It's unfortunate that only Lot and his family were saved through that fervent prayers.
Brethren, in all our doings, let's always put ourselves in a position whereby God will reveal HIS mind to us before HE carries out any act.
The challenge before us is to be that Abraham in our families, streets, communities, schools, offices, states, countries and the world at large,
God shall help us to do this in Jesus mighty name, amen.

12. He had a son in God’s way
After he had a son in his own way, God called him to perfection and showed him mercy and then gave him the promised child, Isaac. Genesis 21 : 1-7
What are we looking for that we are trying to get in our own ways. Is it admission, job, wife, husband or what? It is high time we sought them all in God’s way so that we can have peace of mind and all round blessings from God.

13. He separated from his concubine as he did to Lot
Once again he hearkened to the voice of his wife, just that this time he acted on a good advice.
Genesis 21 : 8 - 34. Everything that needs to be done must done in order to be at peace with God and people.

14. He passed a severe test of faith
In Genesis 22 : 1 - 24 , he was ready to offer to God his only son of promise as a sacrifice to the Lord despite the fact he was so advanced in age to father another child, yet he went ahead with the instructions believing in the God that can make the impossible possible.
Brethren, this is a wake up call for us. Can we do this if God for instance is calling you/me to marry a secondary school certificate holder when you/me are/a graduate?
May God help us all

15. He planned for his son's future
As a responsible parents, which all of us is aspiring to be, Abraham took it upon himself to make sure that Isaac got it right in life especially when it comes to marital issue.
No wonder, Isaac and Rebekah accepted themselves despite the fact that they have not seen themselves before.
Brethren, as we get married in the nearest future by God's grace and become a responsible father and mother, the marital life of our children should be of uttermost importance and we should put it into consideration through prayers, fastings and godly counsel. Genesis 24 : 1 - 64

16. He lived a fulfilled life
He remarried and bore more children. Separated the promised child from the rest of his children and slept in the Lord peacefully.

 Challenges for us from the life of Abraham
1. His unquestionable obedience. Hebrew 11 : 8
 2. His remarkable faith. Romans 4 : 17 - 20
3. His great sacrifice. Hebrews 11 : 17
4. His unselfishness. Genesis 14 : 14 - 16
5. His wonderful intercessions. Genesis 18 : 23-32
6. His spiritual vision.

Conclusion
Though a friend of God, Abraham been human still faulted in some areas, but we must temper the judgement of the Bible saints with mercy remembering that we who have so much privileges than them, have ourselves often times failed God.
According to 1 Corinthians 10 : 11 - 12, all these are written for our warning and admonition. So brethren, let's take heed of them and apply them appropriately.

Reflection
Endeavour to be a friend of Jesus.
John 15 : 14
Ye are My friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.