We’re in no position to test God, but God is in a position to test us. And God tests his people for his good, divine, redemptive purposes. This is never clearer than in Genesis 22:1-24, when God tests Abraham. Abraham’s experience shows us the proper way to face tests from God. If you’ve wondered why God tests his people or how to face his tests, this passage can help.

It’s been said that many people are peace-lovers, but not many people are peace-makers. But believers in Jesus are called by God to be peacemakers. In Genesis 21:1-34, Abraham models being a peacemaker when major conflict erupts in his life. If we’re believers in Jesus, we want to pay attention to what he does so we can follow his example, resolve conflicts, grow in our faith, see God’s power and be called children of God ourselves.

It’s easy in election seasons to get stressed or discouraged. But God’s Word reminds us that no matter who’s elected or who thinks they’re in charge–God is really the one who’s really in charge. Psalm 47:1-9 gives us reasons for rejoicing that God is King over all. If you could use some encouragement when looking at political landscapes, this passage can help.

We’ve all felt the sting of someone making a promise to us and breaking it. Fortunately God never does that, even in spite of us. Through an episode in Abraham’s life, Genesis 20:1-18 teaches us about God’s faithfulness to fulfill his promises, even in spite of us. If we want to be encouraged about how God is faithful to fulfill his promises in our lives as believers in Jesus, then we’ll want to pay attention to this passage.

There are great dangers that come from worldliness, even for believers. In Genesis 19:1-38, Lot, the nephew of Abraham, shows by his poor example the cost of worldliness. If we want to avoid paying the cost of worldliness, then we’re going to want to learn from his mistakes, so we don’t make them ourselves.