Knowing Abram's heart, God himself came to him to encourage him. God told him not to be afraid: God was Abram’s shield and reward. By rescuing Lot and defeating the local kings, Abram had entered dangerous political waters and only stood to lose, humanly speaking. But as God addressed Abram’s larger problem, fear, Abram revealed his profound frustration—he still had no child to pass on his blessings. His calculations of who might be his heir only brought him to further depression.

God affirmed his promise to make Abram a father, and no one other than his biological child would be his heir. And Abram believed those words. There was no tangible change, but Abram believed the promise because he believed in God. And his faith made him righteous before God.

God ratified his covenant with Abram through a customary ritual, a covenant of one-sided grace. God alone bore the burden of commitment to fulfill his promise and assured Abram. Do you struggle with unbelief because of human circumstances? Believe in our gracious and faithful God, who possesses heaven and the earth and guarantees our inheritance (Eph 1:13).
Application: Father, you are in control, and everything belongs to you. Please help me hear your voice and receive the assurance of your promises. I believe in your promises because I believe in you.
One Word: Abram believed the Lord