GENESIS 15 DON'T BE AFRAID I noticed as the years passed, and Abram was looking ahead, things didn't seem too clear to him. He had promises from God but nothing was happening to make him think they were going to be fulfilled. I smiled as I watched him go to rest and then the Lord drew near to him and assured him of His protection and His provision. The Revelation of God is not something to be taken lightly and forgotten quickly. And I thought to myself, "God was with Abram through difficult times. He didn't abandon him in times of doubt and disillusionment. God is the same now as He was then, so why should I ever allow myself to be discouraged and wonder why more isn't happening in the work right now."
Then I heard the words of God to Abram and listened through the Word to the promises of God and the blessings that were, and are yet, to come, through the working of God, not of men. The Response of Faith is so precise and simple that as I watched, I was convicted of my doubts. "Abram believed in the Lord." I realized that had happened to me as I was watching Abram and God. I had been looking at people and events around me, and I had been responding to them rather than believing in the Lord and trusting in His promised blessings. So, I rested my soul awhile as I observed the dialogue between a man of faith and his faithful Lord.
From that communication between God and His friend, Abram, I could see unfolding ahead of Abram unseen events and promises that seem to be impossible. But because of the closeness of their fellowship, Abram could express his doubts as well as his trust and confidence in God at the same time. And I thought, "What a blessed paradox! Even when one expresses his doubts to God, he can also have full faith in God." I realized God understands me better than I understand myself. He promises the Reward of Grace even when I question how it will come. I admitted that my problem is not whether God's promises are reliable or not, but how is He going to fulfill them? How is He going to make it happen? Right away it was plain to me that, that is none of my business. It is up to God how and when He makes His promises come true. For Abram - and me, there are things I must leave to God and tend to my own responsibilities. I must simply do my work to the best of my ability.
One other thing I learned from listening in on their conversation: God Reckons Righteousness to the one who unquestioningly believes in God. I learned, or am at least learning, to look, listen and believe God. Right actions will follow the inner confidence, the inner faith, that God is truly working now to do things in His own time. The by-product of right actions follows true faith.
Abram need that visible covenant with God to assure him, and give him the needed confidence to go on. I have the Bible for the instructions as to how and why to live by faith. I really don't need visible sacrifices. I have the visible, written words of a faithful God.
As that scene passed from my eyes, I knew God was going to deal with the enemies in His own time and ways. God does everything that is true to His character. He is merciful, He is plenteous in mercy. He is full of grace and gives grace where grace is needed. He knows everything and always acts with justice and fairness. I may wonder why things are not happening quicker; why there are not more immediate results. But of this I am confident - His timing is perfect.
And He will fulfill His promises - to even me!
It didn't seem probable that God's promises could be fulfilled. Really, it seemed impossible that those doubts within were stilled. But when one believes in the Lord, there is no impossible situation. God can do far more that we can think with our limited imagination.
When God declares Himself our shield, that is real protection. As the exceeding great reward, there could be no greater provision. So, when other promises are given then they are as good as done. Of all the hundreds God has made, there won't fail a single one.
The reason we can live at ease is, "The just shall live by faith." There is no need to worry about the future, God lives in every place. There really is no past or future with God, He lives in an eternal "Now." I know this to be true, but it is beyond me to explain how.
This I know also, when a covenant is formed with God, There is no cause to doubt the outcome, it has been sealed by innocent blood. Acceptance with God came to me through His Son Beloved. And eternal life and heaven is sure, based on His unchanging Word.
I was once a Gentile, alien to God, but now I'm a Gentile-Jew. Not because of my heritage or some rites I have passed through. But because my Savior was from the tribe of Judah, and from the seed of Abraham. And I am accepted in the Son, and a child of faith I am.
Whenever I read of Abram, the first word I think of is faith. He acted in faith right from Ur, and wherever his life I trace. There is something about that man I wish could be said of me. Though he wasn't perfect, his faith was in God alone for his whole earthly journey.
"Lord God, this leg of the journey has had some ups and downs. But I praise Thee for bringing a number of answers to prayers in a remarkable way, Thou art saving souls around us. For Thy glory, please save some here I pray. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."