Calculating. Conniving. Scoundrel. Jacob certainly started out rough on his journey of faith. But his life ended well, showing that hard lessons learned the hard way still bear fruit for Father’s kingdom.

Quiet. Steady. Resolute. These words describe the life-long faith of Isaac And because of this, he was able to trust His God despite watching his personal wishes for his two sons get completely derailed.

Abraham’s journey of faith culminated in his willing obedience to lay down that which was most dear to him – his only son Isaac. God’s promise had found its home in Abraham, and it led to rich reliance on God’s trustworthiness and power to do what He had said.

Sarah’s faith was most evident when she trusted God for something that seemed impossible: conception in a barren womb. And when His promise became reality, her faith so blossomed that became the spiritual mother of all who trust Christ by faith.

Faith in God doesn’t always yield immediate results. Though His promises are sure, sometimes we must be willing to walk away from all we know and wait steadfastly for God to fulfill all He has promised.

Effective faith requires assurance ( a settled confidence) and conviction (an inner certainty), both of which Abraham had. Believing God, he put feet to his faith and followed the Lord to Canaan.

Patience, endurance, and steadfast devotion to God. All are hallmarks of Noah’s faith, by which he condemned the world and safeguarded the line of Messiah.

Faith in God can feel difficult, particularly when He invites us to walk with Him through the unknown. Noah’s walk with God, and his resultant faith, equipped him to do just that.