Although Noah did not see the flood coming, he believed in God's warning. He put his faith into action and built an ark (7). Even though he believed without seeing, the warning became a reality, and his act of faith delivered him and his family from condemnation.

Abraham left his hometown following God's direction without knowing the destination (8). When he came to Canaan, he accepted it as the promised land and lived as a foreigner in tents (9). His life of faith also led his family to believe in God. His wife Sarah put her faith in God and delivered a son who would carry out God's promise even though she had passed her childbearing age (11). Abraham's faith was passed to the next generation through Isaac and Jacob. Through them, God established a nation, a chosen people, as he had promised.

The people of faith received some promises fulfilled in their lives. But ultimately, they died still hoping to live in the Kingdom of God someday (13). Because of their faith, God was not ashamed to be called their God, for he prepared a place for them in heaven; in other words, their faith pleased God (16).


Application: Father, thank you for guiding me with your promise. Help me to trust in you fully and follow you as you lead me. Guide me to be a good influence to bring my family and friends to salvation by faith.
One Word: God assures me when I believe