GENESIS 15:5-6

God took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

TO PONDER

Have you ever had a friend who you found difficult to trust? Chances are, if that didn't change, you probably didn't stay friends for very long.

Sometimes we talk about righteousness in relation to the things we do, and I supposes there is that element to it. But I think being in a 'right relationship' with someone or being 'made right' always has more to do with the trust that exists between two parties. That's why we can be right with God simply by trusting what he says is true!

God made a fairly outlandish promise to Abram, one that would have been difficult to believe given the advancing years of Abram and his wife. Yet Abram took God at his word and God credited that faith and trust to Abram as righteousness. God's promises to us are also difficult to believe some times, maybe we think we are too sinful and that God could not possibly forgive us, or perhaps it is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that sometimes seems unbelievable. Simply trust the God who came through on his promise to Abram (who became Abraham), who delivered on all his promises to his people as we see in the Bible. Trust that he has saved you and receive Christ's righteousness in return.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, my relationship with you is often not a right one. It is just too easy to put other things in your rightful place as my Lord and Saviour. By your Spirit, help me to trust more completely your word, and the work that you completed on the cross for my salvation. Make me bold in trusting that I have everything I need to share that reality with others. Amen.

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.