Growing in our faith as teenagers can be challenging, especially in a world full of distractions and temptations. The story of Abram (later known as Abraham) in Genesis 12:1-9 is a powerful example of what it means to trust God and follow His calling, even when it’s difficult and uncertain. As we explore this passage together, let’s learn how to deepen our faith and trust in God, just like Abram did.
Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-3
The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
“I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.”
Explanation
- God called Abram to leave his home, family, and everything familiar to him
- The Lord promised to bless Abram and make him into a great nation
- God’s plan was not just for Abram but for all people to be blessed through him
Discussion Questions
- How do you think Abram felt when God asked him to leave his home and family behind?
- What risks did Abram face by following God’s call?
- Can you think of a time when you had to step out in faith and trust God’s plan? How did you feel?
Youth Group Game: “Step of Faith”
In this game, we’ll see how well we can trust one another and work together as a team.
Instructions:
- Divide the group into pairs.
- One person in each pair will be blindfolded, while the other will act as their guide.
- The guide will lead their blindfolded partner through an obstacle course by giving verbal directions only.
- The goal is to complete the course as quickly and accurately as possible, without touching any obstacles.
Discussion:
- How did it feel to trust your partner? Was it easy or difficult?
- How does this game relate to Abram’s journey of faith in Genesis 12:1-9?
Bible Reading: Genesis 12:4-9
So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.
Explanation
- Abram obeyed God’s call and left his homeland with his family and possessions
- God reaffirmed His promise to Abram when they arrived in the land of Canaan
- Abram built altars to worship and thank the Lord for His guidance and provision
Discussion Questions
- How do you think Abram’s obedience to God influenced his family and those around him?
- What can we learn from Abram’s response to God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible or far-off?
- How can we build “altars” in our own lives to remember and worship God for His faithfulness?
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the example of Abram and his journey of faith. Help us to trust You and follow Your calling, even when it’s difficult or uncertain. Strengthen our faith, and teach us to rely on Your promises. May we be a blessing to others as we walk in obedience to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.