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And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith. Genesis 15:6 NLT
At about age seventy-five, Abram (Abraham) responded to the call of God on his life. Turning from his pagan past, he repented and put his trust in the one true God.
Here in Genesis 15, Abraham was resting in his large Bedouin-style tent to beat the fierce afternoon heat (compare 18:1) when the Lord appeared to him in a second vision. Taking Abraham outside, the Lord said, “Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” (15:5 NLT).
Of course, Abraham couldn’t see any stars—the sun wasn’t scheduled to set for a few more hours (see 15:12, 17). Yet Abraham knew the stars, as always, would appear in the sky that night. Just as surely, he believed that God’s promise to make him the father of many peoples would come about—at the right time.
Because Abraham believed, the Lord declared him righteous (15:6). Not that Abraham became perfect overnight. Seven chapters later, however, Abraham demonstrates complete, unquestioning trust in God.
As a reward for his faith, God blessed Abraham abundantly—with many descendants, much land, ongoing protection, a great name, long life, and much more.
Prayer: Lord, transform me. Like Abraham, I am the recipient of incredible blessings when I believe You. How good that I can trust You always.
At about age seventy-five, Abram (Abraham) responded to the call of God on his life. Turning from his pagan past, he repented and put his trust in the one true God.
Here in Genesis 15, Abraham was resting in his large Bedouin-style tent to beat the fierce afternoon heat (compare 18:1) when the Lord appeared to him in a second vision. Taking Abraham outside, the Lord said, “Look up into the heavens and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” (15:5 NLT).
Of course, Abraham couldn’t see any stars—the sun wasn’t scheduled to set for a few more hours (see 15:12, 17). Yet Abraham knew the stars, as always, would appear in the sky that night. Just as surely, he believed that God’s promise to make him the father of many peoples would come about—at the right time.
Because Abraham believed, the Lord declared him righteous (15:6). Not that Abraham became perfect overnight. Seven chapters later, however, Abraham demonstrates complete, unquestioning trust in God.
As a reward for his faith, God blessed Abraham abundantly—with many descendants, much land, ongoing protection, a great name, long life, and much more.
Prayer: Lord, transform me. Like Abraham, I am the recipient of incredible blessings when I believe You. How good that I can trust You always.
