Believing God

Scripture – Genesis 15:1-6: 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.” But Abram said, “O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” Then the word of the LORD came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the heavens and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) God said three main things to Abram. “Do not be afraid.” After the fiasco in Egypt perhaps Abram learned this lesson. Then God promised, “a son coming from your own body will be your heir.” Finally, He told him his offspring would as numerous as the stars. The passage ends with that wonderful statement, “Abram believed the Lord.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Over the years I’ve grown to trust God to provide what I need and to protect me along the way. I still get scared from time to time, but under that, I know the Lord is there. I still fall into Abram’s trap sometimes. I don’t see how God can do what He’s promised, so I start figuring out what has to be done. I forget to simply believe the Lord. I will do that today. Yesterday, He did miraculous thing in my life. Today I trust He will do more.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I believe your promises, Lord. Help me in my doubts. Remind me to keep looking to you. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. Keep working on me and in me. I really do want to be fully yours.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.