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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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Genesis 15:4–6
“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.”
It is a natural response to relate God’s promises to the circumstances in which they were given and also in which we live. However, circumstances never dictate the Word, wisdom or power of God. Never forget God is a creative God. He delights in making something out of nothing. Yes, God has given us brains and reason and we are to use them – but they must never become our gods, or be used to limit God.
The Life of Faith to which the Lord calls us uses all the gifts, vision and talents God has given us, but still keeps us focused on God. Often it is not until we have exhausted all our resources that we rely on God. Sometimes He wants us to go that way, but most often He wants us to set a perpetual default in our thinking, which constantly says in effect, “But what would God do or want in this situation?”
He constantly challenges us to apply lateral thinking. Don’t assume the obvious. Don’t overlook it either but as a boss of mine used to constantly remind me… “Never assume anything, John.”
One of Satan’s tricks is to try and force us into making hasty decisions. God never does because He is outside of time. God wants what is best – not what is expedient. Not compromise or win/lose but win/win every time.
The grace of God is big enough to give us the best - His best - regardless of circumstances. And so He reminds Abram that the best is for his son (not his servant) to become his heir, and that it won’t be by adoption but through his own natural sexual ability. God was very specific in that and becomes even more so later on.
So God’s grace and power will be demonstrated through an old man. However, as we read on, God’s plans are far beyond Abram’s thoughts, imaginations or dreams. God will not only provide him with a miracle child but that child will be the first of millions of his descendants.
What a phenomenal prospect and promise. Not only has God dealt with Abram’s past and confirmed his present, but He has also promised his future. That’s typical of our loving Heavenly Father, and He does the same for us.
Can I encourage you? No matter what circumstances you are going through; however lonely or depressed you may feel; however much of a failure you feel because of the past; however pointless the present may seem or how impossible and bleak the future – There is hope.
God is a God of wholeness. He deals with the past, helps us in the present and prepares us for His planned future, if we will just trust Him and let go.
Abram did, and God’s promises were fulfilled to the letter. Be like him.
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