LESSON 3: Abraham’s Faith and God’s Promise

A long, long time ago, God made a special promise to a man named Abraham. He said, “Your family will grow so big, like the dust on the ground that nobody can count!” But Abraham and his wife Sarah were very old and didn’t have any children yet. Can you imagine waiting so long?

When Abraham was 99 years old, God spoke to him again. “Your name will now be Abraham, which means ‘father of many nations.’ And Sarah will have a baby boy named Isaac!” Abraham trusted God, even though it seemed impossible. Sarah wasn’t so sure at first, but Abraham believed God always keeps His promises.

The next year, when Abraham was 100 and Sarah was 90, they had a baby boy! They named him Isaac, just as God said. Isaac means “laughter,” because Sarah laughed with joy when he was born. God never breaks His promises!

Isaac grew up to be a good, obedient boy who loved God. He was so precious to Abraham and Sarah. But one day, God gave Abraham a very hard test. He said, “Take Isaac to a mountain called Moriah and offer him as a sacrifice.” A sacrifice means giving something very special to God. Abraham was confused and sad. How could he give up his only son?

Still, Abraham chose to obey God. Early the next morning, he took Isaac, two helpers, and some wood and started the journey. After two days, they reached the mountain. Abraham told the helpers, “Stay here. Isaac and I will go worship and come back.” Did you hear that? Abraham believed God would take care of Isaac, no matter what!

As they climbed, Isaac asked, “Father, we have wood and fire, but where’s the lamb for the sacrifice?” Abraham’s heart must have hurt, but he answered, “God will provide the lamb, my son.” He trusted God completely.

At the top of the mountain, Abraham built an altar and placed the wood on it. He gently tied Isaac and laid him on the altar. Just as Abraham raised his knife, God called out, “Abraham! Stop! Don’t hurt Isaac. Now I know you love and trust Me, because you were willing to give Me your son.”

Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught in a bush. He untied Isaac and sacrificed the ram instead. God provided, just like Abraham said! Isaac was safe, and Abraham’s faith made God very happy.

This story reminds us of Jesus. Isaac carried wood, just like Jesus carried the cross. The ram saved Isaac, just like Jesus saves us. Abraham’s trust in God shows us how to believe and obey, even when it’s hard.