The Footsteps of Faith

The Footsteps of Faith

“…who also walk in the footsteps of the
faith that our Father Abraham had.”
                            Romans 4:12

By far the most difficult climb up the Turk Hill Road toboggan hill went to the person who had the unenviable task of blazing a trail through the freshly fallen snow. Those who followed after were blessed to be able to follow in the footsteps of another on the many trips up our favorite hill. The same was true on my early morning paper route during the 60’s in Upstate New York, especially on those mornings when delivering papers meant trudging through a knee deep snowfall. The first morning was the hardest; the next few were easy by comparison, nothing more than following in yesterday’s footsteps.

Maybe those memories help to make it easier to understand Paul’s encouragement that we “walk in the footsteps of the faith that Abraham had.” Abraham trusted God to fulfill the promise He had made to make Abraham the father of many nations. He trusted despite his circumstances; he trusted despite Sarah being past the age of childbearing; he trusted with eyes fixed on a God who is faithful to His every promise. The fruit of his faith was it happening “just as it had been said to him” – Abraham became the father of many nations and, in so doing, left a trail of footsteps we would be wise to follow in.

The tracks those footsteps leave behind are easy to recognize. Some tell of the importance of obedience in the face of contrary circumstances. Others have the words “never give up” emblazoned on them with a boldness that only a hope fulfilled could write. The message “God can be trusted” can be seen next to footprints all along the path and paving stones with the words of Jesus, “only believe” clearly mark the way. The footsteps of the faith of Abraham tell the story of leaving all behind for the Lord, of fighting for and rescuing others in need, of offering up a promised son to God, and of living a life marked by a determined faith in God.

Having footsteps to follow in is a blessing we should never minimize. The faith stories of those men and women who trusted God, who hoped against hope, and who saw their every promise and dream realized to the fullest, are to be anchors that keep you and I on the road of faith.

God Bless,
Pastor Joe
Gateway Church