Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Faith That Acts”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Title: Faith That Acts

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Hebrews 11:8-10 .

Have you ever been asked to do something without knowing how it will turn out? Maybe someone told you to trust them and take a leap of faith? God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance. But the catch was that Abraham didn’t know where he was going!

Imagine that! Abraham didn’t have a GPS or a map to guide him. You see, Abraham was a man who listened to God. When God told him to leave his home and go to a new place, Abraham didn’t ask for a map or a list of directions. He didn’t even ask “Why?” or “What’s there for me?” He just packed up his things, gathered his family, and set off on a journey, trusting God every step of the way. He had to trust God completely, even though he couldn’t see the future. That’s what we call faith that acts. It’s having trust in God’s plan and stepping out in obedience, even when we don’t have all the answers or know where we’re going.
Abraham not only obeyed God, but he also made his home in the promised land, even though he felt like a stranger in a foreign country. Abraham’s journey wasn’t a short one. It was long and sometimes hard. He lived in tents, along with his son Isaac and grandson Jacob, like a camper who moves from place to place. They were heirs of the same promise from God. But Abraham had something special in his heart – faith. He believed that God had a perfect plan for him, even though he couldn’t see it with his eyes. He looked forward to a city that God had designed, a place where everything would be just right.
Faith is believing in what we can’t see because we trust in God. It’s like playing a game of “Follow the Leader.” We follow God’s lead, even if we don’t know where the path is going, because we know that God is the best leader there is!
So, what can we learn from Abraham’s faith that acts?
First, we can learn to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when it seems uncertain or unfamiliar. Just as Abraham had faith that God would guide him to the right place, we can have the same confidence. We might not know where we’re going, but God does, and He will lead us.
Second, we should be willing to step out in obedience, just like Abraham did. When God asks us to do something – help a friend, show kindness to others, or stand up for what is right – we can act based on our faith, even if it seems challenging.
Finally, we should remember that our true home is not on earth but in Heaven. Abraham looked forward to the city with foundations, a place built by God Himself. Similarly, we can look forward to an eternal home with God, where there will be no more tears or pain.
Faith is believing in what we can’t see because we trust in God. It’s like playing a game of “Follow the Leader.” We follow God’s lead, even if we don’t know where the path is going, because we know that God is the best leader there is!
So, let’s have faith that goes beyond words and into action. Let’s trust in God’s plan, obey His commands, and look forward to our eternal home in Heaven. Remember, God is with you every step of the way!

Thought for Reflection/Life Application:
Abraham’s faith was not just about saying he believed in God; it was about taking action and doing what God asked him to do. Can you think of a time when you had to trust someone without knowing all the details? Maybe it was following a teacher’s instructions, or trusting a parent to catch you when you jumped into the pool. Having faith in God is like that. It means we follow His instructions, even when we’re not sure where we’re going, because we know He loves us and has good things planned for us. Think about ways we can show faith in our lives. Maybe it’s being kind to a new student at school because we trust God wants us to be loving. Or perhaps it’s giving some of our allowance to help others, trusting that God will take care of our needs. When we act on our faith, we show God and the people around us that we believe in His promises.

Song
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of his word,
What a glory he sheds on our way!
While we do his good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Prayer
Dear God, help us to have faith like Abraham. Give us the courage to act on our faith, to trust You, and to follow You, even when we don’t understand everything. Thank You for being a God we can trust. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.