Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.”
Genesis 15:4 NIV
Abram faced a deep concern over his childlessness, wondering how God’s promises could be fulfilled. Yet, in Genesis 15:4-5, God reassured him with a profound promise: his heir shall be a son from his own body. This interaction demonstrates the power of faith in God’s promises. It shows how belief in His word brings assurance even in uncertain times. Abram’s story reminds us that having faith in God’s promises is essential. Both for receiving blessings and especially, for a deepened relationship with Him. By choosing to trust and hold onto faith in God’s promises, we open ourselves to His enduring faithfulness and righteousness.
Despite God’s earlier assurance that He was Abram’s “exceedingly great reward,” Abram’s heart struggled to fully embrace this truth. Overwhelmed by his immediate circumstances, Abram questioned God, saying, “What can you give me, since I remain childless?” His response reflected doubt rather than the unwavering faith God desired.
Yet, God’s response to Abram’s doubt reveals His character. Rather than expressing frustration or withdrawing His promise, God met Abram at his level of understanding. He reassured Abram in plain, direct terms, stating that his heir would indeed come from his own body. This gracious approach highlights how God meets us in our moments of weakness—not to leave us there but to guide us toward deeper faith.
This principle is significant. God often meets us at our current level of faith to strengthen and elevate us. He does not demand immediate perfection but instead offers encouragement that builds our trust in Him. His goal is not to keep us in doubt but to lead us into greater confidence in His promises and perspective.
The result of this encounter is profound. Genesis 15:6 states, “Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” Abram’s belief in God’s word became a turning point, and God credited this faith as righteousness—not because of Abram’s works, but simply because of his faith in God’s promises. This demonstrates that we don’t earn righteousness; it is a divine privilege that we receive through faith.
This story serves as a reminder that God desires to strengthen our faith. He meets us where we are, not to leave us there but to lift us up. When we choose to believe His word, even when circumstances seem insurmountable, we position ourselves to experience His faithfulness.
Though Abraham was not disqualified because of his initial doubt, he could not experience the fulfilment of God’s promises until he believed. This reminds us that faith in God’s promises is essential. When God meets us with grace and encourages our faith, He invites us to trust Him more deeply. Like Abram, we must believe, hold fast to His word, and rely on His faithfulness.
When we embrace God’s promises with unwavering faith, we not only grow in righteousness but also deepen our relationship with Him—the greatest reward of all. Trust in God today, for His promises are sure, and His faithfulness endures forever.
