In Genesis 15 Abram feels a tension that characterises the spiritual life. It is the tension between present experience and God’s promise. God had promised Abram that his descendants would bless the world and now, again, God says to Abram, “I am your shield; your very great reward”. This evokes an outburst from Abram who is struggling with the fact that, at this stage, he hasn’t even got past the obstacle of the barrenness of his wife. He can’t even have one child let alone become a “great nation” as God had promised. God’s reiteration of the promise here in 15:1 seems to provoke Abram to irritation. It simply reminds him of what he lacks. Have you ever felt irritated by the promises of God as they simply remind you of what you lack? Have you felt annoyed at preachers who promise you great things in God when you are struggling with the most basic of unfulfilled needs? We tend to suppress this feeling. But this very experience is the power-source of faith. See how Abram responds to God (15:2). He complains. He isn’t grumbling against God in unbelief. He is complaining in faith, and it is his faith that God wants the most (see 15:6). According to the Psalms complaint is a vital expression of faith. We tend to despair when God’s promises remain unfulfilled in our lives. We often simply decide to give up on God. Don’t let go of God. Don’t presume how and when God will answer, but believe that he will. Let this tension of unfulfilled promise give energy to your faith and pray as Abram prayed.
Be honest with God about how you feel about how things are working for you.
Read Genesis 15:1-16 and Psalm 13
