The Foundation of Faith

“Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, and from your relatives and from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.'” – Genesis 12:1 NASB

Pioneers settling in the American plains faced constant peril. The needs were great. Many had few possessions. In her book about these settlers, Joanna Stratton described how faith helped many families survive often hostile conditions. Trusting in God, they looked to Him for protection and to provide all they needed.

One of these was the family of Nutter and Nancy Murphy. Their daughter Lydia recalled how in 1859, they arrived in Shawnee, Kansas, a town with just 1,000 residents. They needed a home, but none was available. Their best option was to rent the front rooms of a large, ramshackle place with rooms filled with whiskey barrels.

On their first day in this new home, they dedicated the place to God. As the family sat in the center of the room, they gathered around a table, seated on boxes and improvised chairs. They read the Bible and prayed together. They continued this tradition for years as they read and prayed together every morning and evening. Like Abram, these people knew they depended upon God for everything, and He continued to meet every need.

Today in our sophisticated world, many trust in governments and their resources. As people like the Murphys learned, the key is having faith in God and placing Him first. This is true for families and whole nations.

Commit your life to God. Depend on His Word. Have faith in Him. Trust Him.

Reflection Question: Write a personal prayer for our country and our religious freedoms.