“He also said to him, ‘I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it.’ But Abram said, ‘Sovereign Lord, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?’”
– Genesis 15:7,8
As we continue exploring the subject of chutzpah, or bold faith, I want to look at one of my favorite Biblical examples — Abraham. I love the story of this famous Hebrew hero, not only because his life is proof that God’s power to accomplish His good purpose has no human bounds, but also because Abraham was a man who had audacity in his Heavenly Father’s presence. Since he was 75 years old by the time he set out to find his new home and had been guaranteed a large family, he wondered why he had seen no evidence of it. Though years had gone by, Sarah hadn’t become pregnant, and in Genesis 15, he was crying out to God in disappointment while bemoaning the fact that his wealth might have to go to his servant rather than his offspring. Upon hearing the anguish of his heart, the Lord “took Abraham by the hand,” led him outside his tent, and told him to look up at the clear night sky. As he beheld the plethora of stars — thousands and thousands of them — Jehovah assured him that his descendants would be just that numerous. Amazingly, while you would think this encounter would have been enough to convince him of the Lord’s intent to deliver on His promise (and this is where chutzpah comes in), the bold man said to God in return, “How do I know?” Interestingly, rather than becoming offended by this somewhat presumptuous question, God seemed to welcome it. In fact, it was in response to Abraham’s honest inquiry that another divine covenant was made to outline, in detail, his full inheritance in the Promised Land. My friend, faith gives you the confidence to ask God tough questions! Because you are His beloved friend and He prizes His relationship with you, you are free to bring your heartfelt pleas and honest inquiries to Him in prayer. Even better, you can do it with the assurance that nothing you say will cause Him to abandon you or to love you any less than He does right now. Your Heavenly Father is crazy about you, and it delights Him when you carry your doubts and fears to His throne and eagerly expect Him to turn them into more. Press into His presence, and He will prove again and again how pleased He is when you boldly trust His good and steadfast character. |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your willingness to hear and respond to my tough questions.
Reflection
Are there hard questions you need to ask the Lord today?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.
One Response
Thank you Bobby Schuler, for the message re.Abraham’s faith, May I share something I learned years ago, A Pastor’s interpretation of FAITH.
” Forsaking All I Take Him.”
I like your meaningful messages on Sundays, Ever since I accepted Christ as my Saviour, I had a calling from the Lord to witness the Gospel with others. This was in 1987, although I was saved in the early Fiftees. Sharing the gospel has become a passion in my life.
I don’t know why I am sharing all this. Forgive me if I am taking your precious time. Blessings. Mary.