Day 4 · The Gospel: God’s Saving Grace · ; (NET2)
God calls Abram and promises blessing that will reach the families of the earth. Years later, Abram brings his unanswered questions to God. The promise rests on God's faithfulness, not Abram's ability to make it happen. These promises were made to Abram in his particular calling; they are not a guarantee that every personal wish will come true. They move God's saving story toward Christ.
Request
Father, teach me to trust what you have promised. By your Spirit, help me bring my questions to you and rest in your faithfulness through Christ. Amen.
Read
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1 Now the Lord said to Abram,
“Go out from your country, your relatives, and your father’s household
to the land that I will show you.2 Then I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you,
and I will make your name great,
so that you will exemplify divine blessing.3 I will bless those who bless you,
but the one who treats you lightly I must curse,
so that all the families of the earth may receive blessing through you.”1 After these things the Lord’s message came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram! I am your shield and the one who will reward you in great abundance.”
2 But Abram said, “O Sovereign Lord, what will you give me since I continue to be childless, and my heir is Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 Abram added, “Since you have not given me a descendant, then look, one born in my house will be my heir!”
4 But look, the Lord’s message came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but instead a son who comes from your own body will be your heir.” 5 The Lord took him outside and said, “Gaze into the sky and count the stars—if you are able to count them!” Then he said to him, “So will your descendants be.”
6 Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord credited it as righteousness to him.
Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).
Reflect
- What does God promise Abram, and how does Abram respond when the fulfillment seems beyond his reach?
- What is the difference between trusting God's word and expecting him to fulfill a wish he has not promised?
Restate
Explain why Abram's faith rests on God's promise rather than his circumstances.
Respond
Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:
- Praise: Praise God as faithful to his word.
- Thanksgiving: Thank him that his purpose brings blessing to the nations through Christ.
- Confession: Confess attempts to control the future or turn your wishes into divine promises.
- Intercession: Pray for someone waiting with difficult questions.
- Petition: Ask for trust that listens carefully to Scripture.
Carry it into today: Bring one unresolved concern to God honestly, and hold it alongside a promise Scripture actually gives.