As we grow as Christians, it is essential that our faith matures. From Abraham's story, we see that a maturing faith is not defeated even when terrible things happen; it learns from its mistakes; and it becomes more not less full of grace.
It is good to challenge ourselves and to look back on our Christian journey - do we see evidence of a faith that is more sure when disaster strikes; that is moving away from destructive patterns of behavior; that is becoming less judgmental and legalistic? These are all signs of a maturing faith.
By Ed Flint