Purpose in Your StrugglesSample

 DEDICATED TO A PROMISE

Read

After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

-Genesis 15:1-6

Reflect

Aren’t you impressed when you see a chest full of ribbons or medals on someone in the military? Each has a story. Each represents a mission. Some medals represent completion of time in a job while others represent hazardous duty or exemplary service.

We occasionally read about people who display ribbons they did not earn. In an effort to appear more brave, accomplished, or advanced they may purchase ribbons at the Clothing Sales Store. Such ribbons count for nothing. Only medals presented by a legitimate leader count as a true reward.

Call me crazy, but Genesis 15 reminds me of a military ribbon ceremony. Think about it: Abraham has just fought a successful military campaign and he stands before his Commander, who tells him, “I will give you a great reward.” Abraham’s reward was not for leading a victorious battle because God was the one who brought the victory. The reward was for his faith.

The only reward that would mean anything to him, though, would be a son—and that was impossible at his age. Abraham questioned God. He reasoned that the reward of an heir would have to come through one of his servants, which in his mind was like going to the clothing sales store and buying one of those fake ribbons for his chest. I don’t blame Abraham for such thoughts. Wouldn’t you question the idea of becoming a first-time father if you were beyond the age of a grandpa?

God did not place any stars of award on Abraham’s chest or shoulders, but he told him to go look up at the sky and try to count the stars. Abraham’s reward would be that great, and it was going to start with his son—his very own “born-in-his-old-age” son. Do you know what Abraham did when God said this to him? He believed. He believed. His journey had brought him to a place where he trusted what God said. He believed it even if he did not see it.

Respond

Recall a time when you had doubts about God's plan for your life. How did you respond? Do you have doubts about God's plan now? As you learn about Abraham and see his faith develop, how might that develop your faith?

Prayer

Lord, you revealed more of yourself to Abraham in the midst of his doubts. Help me to believe you are at work in my life even when I do not see you. Amen.