Taking Steps of Faith Like Abraham! Hebrews 11:8-10 (7 Questions)

What does it really look like to live by faith?

In Hebrews 11, often called the “Hall of Faith,” Abraham is held up as a prime example of a life marked by obedience to God’s voice—even when the destination wasn’t clear.

These three verses—Hebrews 11:8–10—summarize decades of Abraham’s journey with the Lord. But beyond telling his story, they raise essential questions about our own walk of faith today.

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” – Hebrews 11:8-10

Let’s explore seven questions (and their sub-questions) that can guide your faith journey as you learn from Abraham’s extraordinary example.

Q1: Why Did Abraham Leave Without Knowing Where He Was Going?

Sub-question: Wouldn’t it be risky or irrational to move without knowing the destination?

Abraham’s story begins with a radical act of obedience: God called him to leave his homeland—Ur of the Chaldees (in modern-day Iraq)—and go to a land He would show him later.

Imagine uprooting everything, leaving family, culture, and stability, based solely on God’s voice.

This wasn’t impulsive or irrational. It was the fruit of a developing relationship with God. Abraham had likely encountered God before this monumental call, building a foundation of trust.

That’s how faith works—God builds it through consistent invitations to obey, each one preparing us for greater things. Share on X

If you’re wondering how Abraham had the courage to obey without full details, consider this: faith grows in layers.

Before God asked him to leave home, He may have already shown Himself trustworthy in smaller ways.

Likewise, before asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, God had asked him to send away Ishmael—another deeply personal and painful test (Genesis 21:12–14).

Abraham’s obedience wasn’t blind—it was rooted in trust. Faith doesn’t eliminate uncertainty; it rests on the character of the One who calls.

Q2: What Does It Mean That Abraham Sojourned in the Land of Promise?

Sub-question: If God promised him the land, why did he live there like a foreigner?

To “sojourn” means to stay temporarily—to dwell without settling. Although Abraham lived in Canaan, the land God had promised to him and his descendants, he did so as a foreigner.

He had no permanent ownership. In fact, when Sarah died, Abraham had to purchase a burial site (Genesis 23), which was, notably, the only piece of land he ever owned.

This progression reveals something profound: even when God gives a promise, its full fulfillment may unfold gradually—and often, beyond our lifetime.

Sub-question: What does this teach us about God’s promises being delayed or fulfilled over time?

God operates on an eternal timeline. What feels delayed to us may be perfectly on schedule in His master plan. Abraham’s descendants eventually inherited the land, but not during his lifetime.

That can be hard to accept—but it reveals something key: your faithfulness today might pave the road for blessings in future generations.

Our personal plans are just sections of God's overarching plan. Share on X

Q3: What Is the City With Foundations That Abraham Was Looking For?

Sub-question: Is this a literal city, or just a metaphor of heaven?

Hebrews 11:10 says Abraham was “looking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” This has both literal and symbolic meaning.

• Literally, Abraham left his homeland in search of a land prepared by God—Canaan, the land of promise.
  
• Spiritually, he looked ahead to an eternal home—the New Jerusalem. This is the ultimate “city with foundations” described in Revelation 21:2.
  

“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” – Hebrews 11:10

Sub-question: How does this relate to the idea of the New Jerusalem?

The city Abraham longed for finds its fulfillment in Revelation’s vision of the New Jerusalem—a place where God dwells with His people forever (Revelation 21:3).

His physical journey symbolized a spiritual pursuit that should define all believers: longing for heaven while faithfully living on earth.

Q4: What Does This Teach Us About Faith and Obedience Today?

Sub-question: How can Christians apply this model of obedience?

Obedience today might not look like moving to a new country, but it does mean stepping into the unknown wherever God calls.

That could be starting a ministry, breaking off unhealthy relationships, forgiving someone, or choosing to live by godly principles in your business.

For example, in my own life, I had to take a step of faith to expand this ministry. At first, I believed teaching the Bible through videos was enough.

However, over time, I felt led to do more—to launch new channels: one focused on reading the Word and teaching others to become better Bible students, Apologetics (defending the faith), and another on Business (building Biblically rooted income streams).

It was scary because I didn’t see the whole picture. Even so, I chose to trust God’s leading.

If you can do it in your own strength, it’s not faith. Share on X

Sub-question: What does this say about trusting God’s plans without fully understanding them?

You don’t need full understanding to obey. Abraham didn’t. I didn’t. Faith is about trusting that God sees the full map when you only see the next step.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” – Psalm 119:105

If you’re feeling stuck, afraid, or unsure—remember: the first step of obedience often unlocks the clarity you’re waiting for.

Q5: Was the Promise Ever Fulfilled in Abraham’s Lifetime?

Sub-question: Did Abraham ever see the promise fulfilled or was it only for his descendants?

Abraham didn’t see the entire fulfillment of God’s promise, but he did witness the beginning. He saw Isaac—the miracle child—and even lived to see his grandchildren Jacob and Esau.

Let’s do the math:

• Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born.
  
• Isaac was 60 when Jacob and Esau were born.
  
• Abraham lived to 175 years old.
  

That means Abraham had 15 years with his grandchildren. That’s no small thing. He saw enough to know God’s promise was real.

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off…” – Hebrews 11:13

Sub-question: Why would God give promises that aren’t fully realized during one’s lifetime?

Because your life is part of something eternal. You may be building a foundation that your children—or spiritual descendants—will stand on.

This is why you obey even when you don’t see the results. 

Think of your life like a Lego piece in a massive, divine construction project. Your obedience fits into something far greater than you can see.

Q6: Why Is Abraham Highlighted in the “Hall of Faith”?

Sub-question: What makes his faith more worthy than others?

Hebrews 11 isn’t a complete list of every faithful person—it’s a curated one. Abraham is highlighted because his faith was marked by action. He believed, so he moved. He didn’t just feel something—he did something.

Our actions are only a representation of what we believe inside.

Everything that we believe, we take actions on. If we don't believe in something, we're not going to consistently take an action in that direction, because it would go against our beliefs. Share on X

Sub-question: Is his obedience more about action or about heart posture?

Both. Heart and action go together. If you truly believe something, you’ll live like it’s true. That’s why James says faith without works is dead (James 2:26). True faith always leads to tangible action.

In my own life, stepping into areas like ministry, apologetics, and Biblical entrepreneurship was proof of internal belief. If I didn’t believe God wanted me to expand, I would have stayed in my comfort zone.

Q7: What Does This Passage Imply About Our Relationship With the World?

Sub-question: Is a stranger in a foreign land a theme or symbol for all believers?

Yes. Abraham was literally a stranger in Canaan. We, too, are spiritual sojourners in a world that is not our final home.

“For our conversation is in heaven…” —Philippians 3:20
“We are strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” —Hebrews 11:13

We’re not supposed to feel at home here. Our values, our hope, and our destiny are elsewhere.

Sub-question: How can Christians balance living in the world while longing for heaven?

The Apostle Paul gives the balance beautifully: though he desired to be with Christ, he knew it was better to remain and fulfill his earthly mission (Philippians 1:23–24).

Live fully. Serve boldly. Love deeply. But never forget: this world is not your home. Live today with heaven in view. Share on X

Your Next Step of Faith

Faith is not just something you believe—it’s something you live. Abraham’s story isn’t just about him. It’s about us. His walk of faith becomes a blueprint for ours.

Whatever God is calling you to—big or small—trust Him. He sees the full picture. You just need to take the next step.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” – Proverbs 3:5–6

Want to keep growing in clarity and confidence as you follow God’s leading? Read this article on Psalm 119 and find out why it matters.

Let your faith become action. Let your obedience shape eternity. God bless.

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