Daily Devotional | Justified by Faith

The hymn writer Isaac Watts once wrote, “Learning to trust is one of life’s most difficult tasks.” This can be especially true in our relationship with God. When our life experience does not seem to line up with our view of God, it can lead us to question God. Learning to trust God in any circumstance is part of what it means to grow in faith.

Sometime after Abram’s rescue of Lot, God appeared to Abram and said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (v. 1). What a wonderful promise! Yet, Abram did not immediately respond in gratitude. Instead, he asked God, “What can you give me since I remain childless?” (v. 2). In other words, “How can I trust this new promise since You haven’t come through on your first promise yet?”

In response, God reaffirmed His original promise (v. 4). But then He asked Abram to come outside. Imagine following Abram through the tent door to gaze at the night sky. God commanded Abram, “Look up and the sky and count the stars...so shall your offspring be” (v. 5). In response, “Abram believed the LORD” (v. 6). God reminded Abram that He was the creator of the stars. The God who is powerful enough to create the universe would be powerful enough to keep His promises. Through this experience, Abram learned to trust in God’s word more than his own experience or reasoning. Because of this, God “credited it to him as righteousness” (v. 6).

God also calls us to live in faith, to trust His Word and the finished work of Jesus. As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “The words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead” (Rom. 4:22–23).

Go Deeper

Why did gazing up at the stars help Abram’s faith? Take a moment to step outside tonight and worship the Creator.

Pray with Us

Lord, the Bible shows that You fulfill Your promises, even when they defy the probabilities of nature! May the miracles You performed bolster our faith in Your goodness and power, even when our circumstances are grim.

BY Ryan Cook

Dr. Ryan Cook has taught at Moody Bible Institute since 2012. He earned his bachelor of arts in Bible and Theology from Moody and his master of arts in Old Testament from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. He has worked in Christian education and served as a pastor in Michigan for seven years. During his time as a professor at Moody, he earned his doctorate from Asbury Theological Seminary. He now lives with his wife, Ashley, and their three children in the Chicagoland area.