This morning I continue our series entitled, “Standing on a Word from God.” This is Part 4. We are looking at the life of Abraham. Yesterday we looked at how Abraham and Sarah came up with a PLAN B in Genesis 16. They were believing God for a baby, but God was taking too long for them, so Abraham slept with Sarah’s servant. Today I want to go back to chapter 15, so we can see how big/bad this mistake was. God made it clear in chapter 15 that He was going to give them that baby. Let’s get into the Word.
(Gen 15:1-6 ERV)
After all these things happened, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. God said, “Abram, don’t be afraid. I will defend you and give you a great reward.” But Abram said, “Lord God, there is nothing you can give me that will make me happy, because I have no son. My slave Eliezer from Damascus will get everything I own after I die.” Abram said, “You have given me no son, so a slave born in my house will get everything I have.” Then the Lord spoke to Abram and said, “That slave will not be the one to get what you have. You will have a son who will get everything you own.” Then God led Abram outside and said, “Look at the sky. See the many stars. There are so many you cannot count them. Your family will be like that.” Abram believed the Lord, and because of this faith the Lord accepted him as one who has done what is right.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
1. God loves you enough to hear your concerns without holding them against you.
a) Abraham expressed his concern. He did not want his servant to inherit all God was blessing him with. He wanted a son and he wanted the son badly.
b) God heard Abraham’s concern and he did not hold it against him. When you pray, it’s okay to share your heart with God. He is not going to hold your concerns against you. He loves you and He is okay when you share your heart with Him.
c) When we come to God and share our concerns, we must be willing to hear and receive whatever He says. That’s the key. Venting to God is one thing, but then be ready to DO whatever He tells you to do!
3. God loves you enough to reassure you of His promises when you need reassurance.
a) God had already promised to give Abraham and Sarah children. But after some time Abraham complained about not having a son. He even told God that he was afraid of never having a son. He did not want his servant to get his inheritance. God did not hold this unbelief against him. God actually reassured him and promised AGAIN to give him a son.
b) If God were like us, He would turn His back on us. But thankfully He is not. He loves us enough to stick with us and provide us the reassurance we need from time to time.
3. God loves you enough to take the time to help you expand your capacity to believe.
a) Instead of getting upset with Abraham’s unbelief, God took him outside. God had him to look at the stars. God then promised to make his descendants as the number of stars in the sky. God loves you enough to have patience with you and to tell you what you need to hear when you need to hear it, so you can believe Him!
b) God gave Abraham a mental picture of an abundant heritage. God will help you SEE what you need to SEE in order to keep believing!
4. God expects you to believe for the long haul!
a) God had this amazing encounter with Abraham in Genesis 15. Abraham was able to look up to the sky and believe God that his descendants will be as multiple as the stars. Abraham believed God… for a while. But by the next chapter he and his wife came up with another plan because God was taking too long. Don’t let this by you.
b) You must continue to believe God until you see IN THE EARTH what God revealed FROM HEAVEN!
c) Anyone can believe God for a moment. But God wants you to believe until it comes to pass!
Closing Confession:
Father, this is a season of expectation for me. My expectation is tied to Your Word. I believe You will do what You said You would do in my life. I believe NOW and I continue to believe until I SEE in my hands what You have REVEALED to me in my heart. I will never give up on You or what You promised. Your Word SHALL come to pass in my life! I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
