Genesis 15:6-8 NASB
"Then he believed in the Lord; and He credited it to him as righteousness. [7] And He said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to possess it.” [8] But he said, “Lord God, how may I know that I will possess it?'”
Look at that! 👀 Look and see how quickly belief can turn to doubt.
Yes, Abraham believed. Yes, God gave him right standing, not because of his actions but simply because he believed God had told him the truth. The Apostle Paul made Abraham's righteousness through faith a significant point of the gospel message, and he was right in doing so. Belief is what Jesus told Nicodemus was necessary to inherit eternal life.
Abraham believed God. God accounted Abraham's belief as enough reason to give right standing to Abraham. Yet, in the next line, we read that God said something else to Abraham right after Abraham was declared righteous. God told Abraham that he would possess the land he was in, and Abraham's response to this new promise? Doubt. "How will I know that I will possess it," he asked?
Keep the faith! Doubts are normal and natural, but, when it comes to God's word, never believe your doubts or doubt your belief in Him.
Reflecting on the passage from Genesis 15:6-8, I find it deeply encouraging to see that even Abraham, a foundational figure in faith, experienced moments of doubt. This reminds me that doubt is a natural part of the faith journey and not a failure. When Abraham questioned, "How may I know that I will possess it?" he was expressing a human desire for reassurance. This mirrors personal experiences where I’ve believed deeply in a promise or goal but still sought confirmation or signs. The reference to God telling Abraham to look toward the heavens and count the stars (Genesis 15:5) beautifully illustrates the vastness and certainty of God’s promises, even when they seem intangible. It’s a powerful encouragement to hold on to faith, even when circumstances seem uncertain or progress feels slow. From my own experience, wrestling with doubt has often led to a deeper understanding and stronger belief. Faith isn’t about eliminating doubt entirely but learning to trust God despite it. Keeping the focus on God’s character—His grace, faithfulness, and power—helps in navigating these moments. Like Abraham, we are called to believe not based solely on visible evidence but on God’s word and promises. The concept that righteousness is credited through faith rather than actions reassures me that belief itself, even if imperfect, is valued. It’s a reminder to extend grace to myself and others in their spiritual struggles. In daily life, embracing this balance between faith and doubt allows for a more honest, authentic spirituality. We can acknowledge our questions and fears while choosing to trust in God’s ultimate plan. This perspective has helped me remain hopeful and confident, even when answers are not immediate. Ultimately, Abraham’s story is a testament to the journey of faith: belief may waver, but it doesn’t have to be abandoned. It encourages me to "keep the faith," knowing that God honors a sincere heart that seeks Him, even amidst uncertainties.