Read: Genesis 15:1-11, 17-18
Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness (Galatians 3:6).
The Assurance Of Active Faith
During the altar service Sunday night my pastor was praying with a young woman who was seeking to be sanctified wholly. She had prayed earnestly, consecrated fully, and placed her confidence in the promises of God, but she still lacked the witness of the Spirit for which her heart yearned. The pastor gave her this advice: “Before you go to bed tonight, thank God for sanctifying your soul. In the morning, thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit. Tell someone tomorrow that God has cleansed your heart.” This was sound spiritual counsel. Assurance comes with affirmation and the deliberate exercise of faith in the promises of God.
In our scripture for today God had a great blessing for Abram. To a man who was childless God promised descendants like the stars in the heavens; to him who was homeless God promised the whole land of Canaan. When Abram asked for some assurance of these divine promises God instructed him to prepare a sacrifice. The Lord planned to touch this offering with holy fire as evidence of His sure promises, but God’s man was tested before God’s confirming witness came.
Abram did what God told him to do. He erected an altar; he prepared the sacrifice exactly as he had been told. But no fire came from heaven; only buzzards gathered to annoy the seeker and to mock a man’s faith. But Abram drove off the birds and guarded his offering until the sun went down. Then, in answer to his faith, God gave him the assurance that he sought. When darkness fell, the fire of God ran through the sacrifice and assurance came to Abram’s heart. God always rewards active faith with glowing assurance.
Affirmation For Today
I will continue to obey God; I will trust Him for assurance and actively believe His promise until the witness is given.