Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Jeff Seward

“But Abram said. ‘Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ Then Abram said, ‘Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed, one born in my house is my heir!’ And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from you own body shall be your heir.’ Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’” Genesis 15:2-5 (NKJV)

Sooner or later, you will be faced with a crisis of belief. This event, challenge, or life decision will test your faith, perhaps severely. In Scripture, the people of God were tested. God’s goal was that they would fully trust Who He is. 

Some members of my family are facing a “crisis of belief” because their newborn son was diagnosed with a viral infection that could have long-term developmental effects. This crisis has shaken their beliefs about God and how and if He answers prayer.

Henry Blackaby says, “How you respond when you reach this turning point will determine whether you go on to be involved with God in something God-sized that only He can do; or whether you will continue to go your own way and miss what God has purposed for your life. This is not a one-time experience. It is a daily experience. How you live your life is a testimony of what you believe about God.”

Abram was very discouraged when God seemed slow to bring about the promised son. He and Sarah were far beyond their childbearing years and nearing the end of their lives. They were facing major anxiety, but God reassured Abram again that he would be the biological father of the heir.

Here are two lessons to consider:

First, God says to ask. Abram inquires, “Lord God, what will you give me?” God is pleased when we ask. He wants you to call out and ask Him. He desires a personal, heartfelt relationship with you. Warren Wiersbe says, “One of the basic lessons in the school of faith is that God’s will must be fulfilled in God’s way and in God’s time.” 

Second, God says to look. You may have doubts like Abram. You may have waited years for your God-given dream to come true. He longs to reveal His will more than you desire to know it. God is lining you up with His will and His plans, so they will be fulfilled in your life.

What has He promised you? If you are sincerely looking to Him through the Word and prayer, and asking for wisdom, He will reveal it to you. 

“And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed” Joshua 23:14 (NKJV).

DIG: What is something seemingly impossible you are asking God to do in your life or family? Do you believe God will answer?

DISCOVER: Read Romans 12:2. Think about how His will is good, pleasing, and perfect. 

DO: Ponder the quote: “Let God choose for you.” Read Psalm 25:12-13. Believe it for your life as you follow Him closely.