# The Faith of Abraham in the First Week of Lent
*2015-01-24*

> Bill Young reflects on Hebrews 11:17‑19, exploring Abraham’s faith and how it challenges us to trust God amid adversity, especially during Lent.

## Scripture Reading

Hebrews 11:17‑19 (KJV):
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son; Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.”

## Abraham’s Faith as a Model

The New Testament holds Abraham’s sacrifice in the highest regard. The passage in Hebrews invites us to see Abraham’s willingness to offer his beloved son as a supreme act of trust in God’s promises. Patristic writers and early Christian art—found in catacombs, cemeteries, and on sarcophagi—repeatedly highlight this event, underscoring its theological importance.

## Why This Story Matters Today

Abraham’s story is our story. In moments of adversity—whether facing death, serious illness, or conflicting obligations—we are called to trust, believe, and hope that we are doing the right thing. His willingness to give up what he loved most challenges us to place our Christian values above worldly pressures.

## Finding Hope in the Lenten Journey

During Lent, we are invited to deepen our faith like Abraham’s, allowing hope to arise even when circumstances seem hopeless. May God grant us the steadfast faith of Abraham, renewing our hope and courage to let our values guide our decisions.

*May the faith of Abraham inspire us to trust God fully, especially in the trials of Lent.*