The Explanation

Abram lived in a little tent. One day, God spoke to him.

"Abram," God said. "Leave your home. Go to a new land. I will show you the way."

Abram did not know that land. He had never seen it. But he packed up anyway.

He took his wife, Sarai. He took his nephew Lot. He took his sheep, his tents, all his things.

And they walked. And they walked. And they walked some more.

They came to a new land. It was called Canaan. Trees stood tall there. The sun was warm on Abram's face.

God spoke again. "I will give this land to your children," He said.

Abram was happy. He built an altar, a little pile of stones, right there. He said thank you to God.

What Does This Mean?

Then something hard happened. No rain came. The ground turned dry and cracked. There was no food.

Abram was scared. So he went far away, to Egypt, to find bread.

But in Egypt, Abram was still scared. He told a little lie. "Say you are my sister," he told Sarai. He was afraid the king would hurt him.

The king took Sarai to his big house. That was not good. Abram had forgotten something. God was still watching.

The Common Thread

God did not forget Abram. Even when Abram made a mistake, God kept caring for him.

God sent sickness to the king's house. The king got scared and asked, "Why did you not tell me the truth?"

Then the king gave Sarai back to Abram. He let them go, safe, with all their sheep and camels too.

God had promised to bless Abram. And God had promised that everyone, everywhere, would be blessed through him one day. Long, long after, that promise led all the way to Jesus. Jesus came from Abram's family, to bless the whole world.

For You

Abram trusted God, even without knowing the way. Sometimes you do not know what is coming tomorrow either.

But you can still hold God's hand, like Abram held on to Him.

And when you are scared, like Abram was in Egypt, you can tell God. He hears you. He does not leave.

Talk About It

Abram walked to a land he had never seen. Would you go somewhere new if God asked you?

Abram was scared and told a lie. What can you do when you feel scared?

Praying Together

Dear God, Thank You that You see me. Thank You that You held Abram's hand. Please hold my hand too. When I am scared, help me remember You are near. Amen.