I have to admit when I sat down to write this summary of Andrew Murray’s chapter my “blogger” self didn’t feel it presented any new and interesting information. Would you even care to read another post about faith? But then I remembered I am writing for an audience of One. He would love for me to write about believing Him better.

“And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: ‘This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.’ And he brought him outside and said, ‘Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.’  And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:4-6

I know the story of God telling Abraham his descendants would be as many as the stars in the sky. I didn’t remember how God promised him a “great nation” 3x before this. Right before this passage Abraham questioned God…”okay I know you keep promising all these grandkids, but I don’t even have my own child yet.” God promises one more time…and Abraham believes God and is counted righteous.

It wasn’t like Abraham was waiting for a year or two. Twenty-five years of believing and waiting for a promised child.

Even before a child was placed in his arms, Abraham (and Sarah’s) faith was strengthened. If you’ve ever walked with friends through infertility struggles or adoption processes or you’ve taking the journey yourself, you KNOW it is a test of faith.

Andrew Murray states, “In the power of faith the natural longing for a child becomes the channel of most wonderful fellowship with God…” We natural long for offspring (despite a selfish culture telling us otherwise). In believing God to give us that desired child we desperately cling to Him.

Through waiting for and receiving our children God will teach us:

• We are taking a covenant with Him.
• We are called to exercise Abraham’s faith.
• We receive our children from God’s hands.
• Our children are partakers of the covenant.

Before my boys were even born, God began the work of redeeming love by His Spirit.

Do you believe God will give you the child you hope for? Once that child is placed in your arms do you believe He can redeem him from sinfulness? Do you believe?

When my boys are continually choosing rebellion, do I believe God to be bigger than my discipline and threats? Today when events with your children seem outside of your ability to control or handle, stop and think: “Do I believe You, God? Do I believe You can control and handle this?”

Just as God patiently prepared Abraham and Sarah for 25 years “until they were fitted to accomplish His purposes” (parents to a nation), know He has been preparing you for these children. He has a purpose for you with your family for His glory. Believe Him.

“He will teach us how the birth of our children can become the highest exercise of a faith that gives glory to God, and the truest means of advancing our spiritual life and the interests of His kingdom.”