Gen 15:1 After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
Father Abraham is another stalwart of faith whom I have placed on an unintended pedestal. Gen 15 shows his continued struggles (and victories) as he learns to believe and trust God. Commentary posits “The faith that made Abram righteous wasn’t so much believing IN God…as it was BELIEVING God.”
Gen 15:2 But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can You give me since I remain childless….”
That is a struggle that I know well, the struggle that causes me to wrestle with my own faith. I absolutely believe IN God, and I want desperately to BELIEVE His promises, but my doubts, fears, and anxieties plague me. Just like Abram, who asks God, “…how can I be sure…” I want assurances, and sometimes God just needs me to trust Him. “I believe; help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).
Gen 15:5 He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars….So shall your offspring be.”
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this reassurance. I wrestle with doubt, fear, and anxiety way more than I should, which causes me more doubt, fear, and anxiety. I realized this morning that I am always just a bit afraid that You will get so frustrated with my lack of faith that You will deem me unredeemable, but that is not Your way. Thank You for Your fierce love. Thank You for Your reassurances to Abram and to me. I believe in You deeply. Help me to believe just as deeply in Your promises for me. Draw me closer. Amen.
Gen 15:6 Abram believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.