The story of Abraham — God asked one man to walk away from everything he knew and trust a promise he could not yet see.
It is the story of a called man, his wife Sarah, and a family that would outnumber the stars. You can read it in Genesis 12-21.
The Story of Abraham
God spoke to a man named Abram and told him to leave his country, his relatives, and his father’s house for a land God would show him. Abram did not know where he was going. He simply obeyed and set out with his wife Sarai.
God made Abram a stunning promise. He would make him into a great nation, and his descendants would be as countless as the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore.
Years passed, and still Abram and Sarai had no child. The wait stretched on so long that having a son seemed impossible for two people well past their prime. Yet Abram believed God, and God counted that faith as righteousness.
God gave the couple new names as a sign of the promise. Abram became Abraham, the father of many, and Sarai became Sarah. The names spoke of a future they still could not see.
At last the promise came true. When Abraham was 100 years old, Sarah gave birth to a son. They named him Isaac, which means laughter, and the long wait turned into joy.
Key Verses
“Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” Genesis 12:1
“And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great.” Genesis 12:2
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Genesis 15:6
Scripture quotations are from the King James Version (KJV), a public-domain translation.
What the Story of Abraham Teaches Us
Abraham’s life shows what it looks like to trust before you can see the whole path. He left the familiar behind on nothing more than God’s word, and he kept believing through years of silence and delay.
His story reminds us that a promise worth having is often worth waiting for. Faith is not proven in the easy moments but in the long stretch between the promise and its fulfillment.
Color the story. Abraham’s journey and the birth of Isaac come to life in the Genesis Coloring Book – Volume 1, which pairs every scene with a Bible verse. See it in the shop →
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God ask Abraham to leave his home?
God called Abraham to leave Ur and Haran for a land He would show him. It was a test and an invitation to trust, and God promised to make him into a great nation because of his obedience.
What did God promise Abraham?
God promised to make Abraham a great nation and to give him descendants as countless as the stars in the sky and the sand on the shore. He also promised him a land and that all the world would be blessed through him.
Who was Sarah in the story of Abraham?
Sarah, first called Sarai, was Abraham’s wife. She waited many years without a child and finally gave birth to their son Isaac when Abraham was 100 years old.
What does the name Isaac mean?
Isaac means laughter. The name reflects the joy and surprise of a son being born to Abraham and Sarah so late in their lives, long after they had given up hope.
Where is the story of Abraham in the Bible?
The story of Abraham is found in the book of Genesis, chapters 12 through 21. It follows his call, God’s promises, the long wait, and the birth of his son Isaac.