The Promise to Abraham

When God’s Faithfulness Outlives Us

Have you ever thought about how far back God’s promises go?

I don’t just mean a few years or even a few generations. I’m talking thousands of years, all the way back to a dusty road where a man named Abraham said “yes” to God, not knowing where that “yes” would take him.

When we read the Christmas story, we usually start in Bethlehem. But the truth is, Christmas started much earlier, with a promise.

God’s Promise Wasn’t Just to Abraham; It Was Through Him

In Genesis 12, God told Abraham: “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you… and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2–3)

That last line gives me chills every time I read it. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.

Abraham didn’t live to see the full picture of that promise. He didn’t see Jesus’ birth. He didn’t hear the angels’ announcement. He didn’t watch shepherds bow in worship. But the promise God made to him set all of that in motion.

And isn’t that the way faith works?

Sometimes we plant seeds that we’ll never see bloom, but God’s faithfulness ensures they will.

God’s Promises Don’t Die When We Do

If you’ve ever wondered whether what you’re doing matters, whether your prayers, your parenting, your obedience in quiet moments, actually make a difference, Abraham’s story answers that with a resounding yes. When Abraham obeyed God, it didn’t just bless him. It blessed every generation that came after him, including us.

In Galatians 3:29, Paul writes: “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

That means you and I are part of the same family line of faith. Not by blood, but by belief. When you said “yes” to Jesus, you stepped into a promise that began thousands of years ago, a promise that outlives time, bloodlines, and borders.

Faith That Starts Something New

Maybe your family doesn’t have a long faith history. Maybe you didn’t grow up in church, or you feel like your story is too messy to matter. But friend, please don’t miss this: a new faith legacy can start with you.

Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho who trusted God and became part of Jesus’ family tree.
Ruth was a foreign widow who chose faith and became the great-grandmother of King David.
And generations later, Gentile believers like you and me were grafted into the same promise.

One step of faith changed everything.

So, if you’re the first one in your family to follow Jesus, you’re not behind, you’re building something new.

When Faith Feels Small

Maybe your faith feels small right now. Maybe you’re in a season where you’re holding onto a promise but you can’t see how God is going to keep it.

You’re in good company. Abraham didn’t see how either.

But Romans 4:20–21 says this about him:

“He did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

Abraham’s faith wasn’t perfect. He stumbled, he doubted, and he took matters into his own hands more than once. But in the end, he still believed that God could and would do what He said.

And that’s what faith really is, not having it all figured out, but trusting the One who does.

Holding Onto the Promise

When you feel like your story isn’t moving fast enough, or like God’s promises are taking too long, remember this: Abraham waited 25 years for his promise to even begin.

And yet, God was faithful.

His promises didn’t die with Abraham. They reached through generations, all the way to Jesus… and they’re still reaching you today.

So keep trusting Him. Keep saying yes.

Your faith might just be the seed God uses to bless generations you’ll never meet.

Reflect & Respond:

• What promise from God are you holding onto right now?
• How have you seen His faithfulness through your family line or how might He be starting something new through you?
• Take time to thank Him today that His promises never stop with one person. They multiply through faith.

Get Your Free Family Devotional Guide

What to go deeper in this week’s message? Start this week with your free family devotional guide. It’s a great way to explore the same Scriptures together and see how God’s promises are still unfolding in your family story.

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For Girls Walking the UnPerfected Journey

Looking for a great Christmas present for the Preteen Girl in your life? Check out Girl UnPerfected, a weekly devotional for girls 9 through 13. It helps her learn to study the Bible for herself and apply it to her life in real, tangible ways.

This Christmas, give her the gift of a stronger faith and the tools to deepen her relationship with Jesus.

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