Our adventures in life are often spawned by events that we prefer would never

happen. Such was the case for the Prophet Ezekiel (Ez 1:1-28).

I tend to think this was the case for Terah, Abraham’s father when he left Ur of

the Chaldeans and ended up in Harran, about half-way to his stated goal of Canaan (Gen

11:27-32).

When God spoke to Abram, the journey continued encouraged by God’s promise

of land, people and blessings (Gen 12:1-5).

As Abram traveled, he listened to God and worshipped. First at Shechem (Gen

12:6-7); then Bethel (Gen 12:8); the Negev (Gen 12:9); Egypt (Gen 12:10); back to the

Negev (Gen 13:1-2); and Bethel (Gen 13:3-4) until quarreling broke out between Abram

and Lot, his nephew over rights to grazing land (Gen 13:5-7).

Quarreling led to family separation (Gen 13:8-13), but continue affirmation to

Abram from God (Gen 13:14-17) and further worship from Abram, this time at Hebron

(Gen 13:18).

When Abram’s faith in God’s promises wavered, he would receive further

affirmation (Gen 15:1-5). Which leads to this pivotal verse: Abram believed the Lord, and

he credited it to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6).

Paul used this verse to undergird his message that salvation comes through faith

(Romans 4:3, 18)

James quotes this verse to support his contention that faith must be supported by

works (Jam 2:23-24).

No matter which side of this controversy you may land, I believe all of us are

called to take a leap of faith, to sail away with Jesus as our captain, to live the adventure

that includes listening and worshipping and action no matter how difficult the path.