Read James 2:20-21

Faith isn’t theoretical—it’s tested. James turns to Abraham, the father of faith, as an example of what active trust looks like. God asked Abraham to offer Isaac, the son of promise. It was a moment that defied reason, yet Abraham obeyed because he trusted the character of God more than the clarity of his circumstances. His faith was proven genuine not in words but in costly obedience.

When your faith is tested, you discover what you truly believe about God. Do you trust His goodness when life doesn’t make sense? Do you obey even when you don’t understand? Real faith doesn’t wait for perfect clarity—it moves forward in confidence that God is faithful even when the road is steep.

Jesus Himself embodied this kind of obedience. In the garden of Gethsemane, facing the cross, He prayed, “Not my will, but yours be done.” His faith led Him to surrender, and through that surrender came the salvation of the world. When you walk in faith like that—trusting God’s heart more than your own understanding—you participate in the same story of redemption.

Your tests may not look like Abraham’s, but every moment of uncertainty is an altar where your faith can grow. God isn’t trying to break you; He’s forming you. And each time you choose to trust Him, your faith becomes stronger, deeper, and more alive.

Reflection Questions:

• What stands out to you about Abraham’s example of faith?
  
• How have you seen your faith tested recently?
  
• What can you learn from Jesus’ obedience in Gethsemane?
  
• How might God be forming your faith through today’s challenges?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about a moment when trusting God felt difficult. Reflect on how that experience shaped your faith and how you saw God’s faithfulness in it.