Then the Lord spoke to Abram and said, “That slave will not be the one to get what you have. You will have a son who will get everything you own.” Then God led Abram outside and said, “Look at the sky. See the many stars. There are so many you cannot count them. Your family will be like that.”

Genesis 15:4-5 (ERV)

 

God does not change our circumstances without first changing our mindset.

In Genesis 15, Abraham receives a vision from God in which God wants to enlarge his faith and increase his understanding of who He is and what He can do for him. However, God's reassuring promise did not satisfy Abraham's emptiness and unfulfilled desire for a son. Perhaps we are having the same issue trusting God with His Word. We know God is trustworthy, but we are unsure about His faithfulness to us. This is because, during times of uncertainty, our circumstances appear to speak louder than God's Word, and our prayers do not seem as effective as they once were.

God led Abraham out of his tent to deliberately adjust his thoughts and bring his emotions into focus. By telling Abraham to look at the countless stars, God was preparing him to believe that he would not only have a son, but also uncountable descendants far beyond his imagination.

God led Abraham out of his tent to deliberately adjust his thoughts and bring his emotions into focus. By telling Abraham to look at the countless stars, God was preparing him to believe that he would not only have a son, but also uncountable descendants far beyond his imagination.

Suffering is ultimately unavoidable.

While some hardships can be avoided at times, it is impossible to live a life free of suffering. Our faith in God is often brought to the forefront and tested by life's circumstances. Difficulties allow us to see what we truly believe in God's Word and whether what it teaches about God is true. God is with us through life's trials, helping us in growing new faith and strength to endure, persevere and overcome.

Suffering changes our perception of God, usually for the better, if we remain thankful regardless of what happens (or does not happen). Our friendship with God is determined not by external circumstances, but by a rigorous faith and confidence in a God who keeps His promises.