THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM: FROM PROMISE TO POSSESSION
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 12:1-3
Supporting Texts: Genesis 15:1-6, Genesis 17:1-8, Galatians 3:13-14, Romans 4:20-21, Hebrews 6:13-15
INTRODUCTION:
God’s dealings with Abraham marked the beginning of a covenantal relationship that still speaks to believers today. Through Abraham, God revealed His intention to bless not just a man, but a lineage, and ultimately, the entire world. The journey of Abraham—from receiving the promise to walking in its possession—is a pattern of faith, obedience, and divine fulfilment.
When God gives a promise, He also makes provision for its manifestation. However, the journey from promise to possession is not always immediate. It is often filled with instructions, tests, delays, and sometimes silence. Yet, the faithfulness of God remains constant.
As spiritual heirs of Abraham, we too are partakers of the same blessing by faith in Christ Jesus. Understanding how Abraham moved from the realm of promise to the realm of possession will equip us to walk in the fullness of what God has for us.
1. THE PROMISE REQUIRES A STEP OF FAITH
Before Abraham could receive anything, he had to move in faith.
a) Obedience to Divine Instruction (Genesis 12:1)
Abraham left his comfort zone not knowing where he was going.
b) Faith Activates the Promise (Hebrews 11:8–9)
He believed God even when the destination was unclear.
c) Faith Without Action Is Dead (James 2:21–22)
Abraham’s obedience validated his faith.
d) God Rewards Prompt Obedience (Isaiah 1:19)
Delayed obedience may delay the promise.
Biblical Example: Abraham’s journey to Canaan was the first act of faith toward the fulfilment of God’s word (Genesis 12:4–7).
2. THE PROMISE IS TESTED THROUGH TIME AND TRIALS
Every divine promise undergoes testing before fulfilment.
a) Faith Must Be Refined (1 Peter 1:6–7)
Trials come to purify and strengthen our trust in God.
b) God Is Never in a Hurry (Habakkuk 2:3)
Though it tarries, the vision will speak at the right time.
c) Doubt Can Delay Fulfilment (Genesis 16:1–4)
Taking shortcuts can complicate the process.
d) God Develops Character Before Fulfilment (Romans 5:3–4)
Waiting builds patience, endurance, and trust.
Biblical Example: Abraham waited 25 years before Isaac, the promised son, was born (Genesis 21:1–2).
3. POSSESSION COMES THROUGH COVENANT ALIGNMENT
Walking in the blessing requires staying aligned with God’s covenant.
a) Walk Before Me and Be Blameless (Genesis 17:1)
Righteousness and obedience maintain covenant alignment.
b) God Confirms His Promises to the Faithful (Genesis 17:7)
God reaffirms His word when we stay connected.
c) The Covenant Is Multigenerational (Genesis 22:17–18)
What you walk into affects generations after you.
d) The Blessing Is Released by Faith (Galatians 3:14)
Through Christ, we access Abraham’s blessings by faith.
Biblical Example: God renewed His covenant with Isaac and Jacob, confirming His promise to Abraham (Genesis 26:1–5; Genesis 28:13–15).
4. FROM PROMISE TO POSSESSION BY FAITH AND PATIENCE
The final step is to hold on in unwavering belief until manifestation.
a) Be Fully Persuaded Like Abraham (Romans 4:20–21)
He did not waver but believed God was able.
b) Imitate Those Who Inherit Through Faith and Patience (Hebrews 6:12)
Possession requires consistency in faith.
c) Speak the Promise Until It Becomes Reality (2 Corinthians 4:13)
Faith speaks what it believes.
d) Don’t Lose Heart While Waiting (Galatians 6:9)
Your due season will surely come.
Biblical Example: The children of Israel eventually possessed the Promised Land centuries after Abraham’s promise (Joshua 21:43–45).
CONCLUSION:
The blessing of Abraham is not a myth or history—it is a living reality for every believer in Christ. The journey from promise to possession involves faith, obedience, patience, and covenant alignment. Like Abraham, we must be ready to leave the familiar, endure delays, and believe even when the promise seems far.
God who promised is faithful. No matter how long it takes, if you remain steadfast like Abraham, you will see the manifestation. Every promise God made concerning your life will come to pass, and you will possess your inheritance in Christ.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, increase my faith to trust You even when I don’t understand.
2. Father, help me to obey You promptly and completely like Abraham.
3. Let every delay in my life turn into a testimony of fulfilment.
4. Lord, align me with Your covenant promises for my generation.
5. I receive grace to move from promise to possession in Jesus’ name.
