While some may find these divergent characteristics distasteful, others are comforted by the realism portrayed by the author of Genesis. Abraham is a mixed bag. Zealous to follow God, he is anything but perfect. Have you missed God’s direction at times? Then you would be in good company with Abraham. Have you failed to discern God’s direction? You are not alone.
As we discern the leading of the Spirit, we must remember that we will sometimes miss the mark. We are tainted by sin; therefore, we may fall into patterns of going our own way. God is patient with Abraham; He fulfills His promise in spite of Abraham and Sarah’s doubt. Certainly, Abraham makes poor decisions at times, but he is fiercely obedient when God prompts. In the end, his acts of faith define him more than his mistakes. In the end, God is honored through his life. So what does Abraham’s story have to do with us? How might we be able to benefit as we study his life? My hope is that we would strive toward similar obedience. Recognizing our shortfalls, may we learn to follow God as Abraham. Has it been a while since you picked up the story? Maybe it is time to read it again.