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How does one lean across the finish line of life? In Genesis 24, Abraham, despite his old age, continues to work and seek after God's purposes for his own life and the life of his son; by his example, we are shown what it means to finish well.

Just as God tests Abraham, we know that God tests us in the things that matter most to us. Rather than worshiping the Creator of the good things, we turn inward and worship the good things themselves. In Genesis 22, we see that God calls Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac, to reveal where his loyalty truly lies.

The focal point of any story is God, not the individual person. God's mercy is always available to those who cry out to Him.

Daniel Moore discusses Abraham's role in the story of Sodom & Gomorrah as intercessor. While the wicked are judged by God, we see His mercy demonstrated in the rescue of the godly; in this case, righteous Lot.

The story of Abraham paints a picture for us of a God who is big and grand, but surprisingly personal as well. It is easy to fear our own exposure when He comes near to us, but the way that He relates with Abraham and Sarah shows us that He comes with grace.

What does it mean to be set apart? In Genesis 17, God sets Abraham and his descendants apart to Himself, putting His mark upon them in the process. For all of us, a relationship with God results in His mark upon our lives -- in what ways does your life show that you are distinctly His?

Scripture often gives an unflinching portrayal of the human condition, and the book of Genesis invites us to find ourselves in the story of Abraham. Where do we find ourselves in this story? Are we the scheming Sarah, the passive Abraham, or the wounded Hagar? Whoever you identify with in this story, hope can be found in a God who takes notice of us despite our condition.

Matt describes Abram as a courageous man during a dark period of time who had faith in a God whose promises of blessing include significant amounts of tension, suffering and whose goal is not so much our happiness but that we would follow and trust Him.