Life is filled with uncertainties that challenge our sense of security, but the crucial question remains: what do you really trust in? Abraham's story in Genesis reveals the nature of biblical faith - acting like God's promises are certain even when we can't see them. When God called Abraham to leave everything for an unknown destination, He made incredible promises including blessing all nations through him. Despite Abraham's struggles with doubt and fear, God remained faithful. The covenant ceremony in Genesis 15 shows God taking full responsibility for keeping His promises, even walking alone through the sacrificial animals while Abraham slept. This demonstrates that God's faithfulness doesn't depend on our perfect faith, but on His unchanging character.

Every person on earth lives in exile, a reality that began when Adam and Eve chose pride over obedience in the Garden of Eden. Their attempt to cover their sin with fig leaves represents humanity's ongoing effort to fix our relationship with God through our own works. However, God immediately provided proper covering for them, foreshadowing the ultimate solution. Just as their homemade covering failed, our attempts to earn God's approval through good deeds always fall short. The only solution to end our exile was Jesus Christ, who lived the perfect life we couldn't live and died the perfect death to pay for our imperfect lives. This Advent season reminds us that God's rescue plan was always Plan A, revealing His gracious and compassionate character.

In Isaiah 6, we witness a powerful divine encounter that reveals what happens when God shows up. During a time of national uncertainty following King Uzziah's death, Isaiah sees God on His throne surrounded by seraphim declaring His holiness. This vision exposes Isaiah's sinfulness in contrast to God's perfect holiness, leading to his confession and God's gracious cleansing. After being purified, Isaiah hears God's call and responds without hesitation: Here am I. Send me. This passage teaches us that when we encounter God's holiness, we see ourselves clearly, receive His grace, and are called to respond with complete availability to His purposes.