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Learning to Renew faith in darkness (Gen 15)

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A picture about faith.
Photo Credit: Olivia Snow

Learning to Renew faith in darkness (Gen 15)

Putting Trust in God

When Abraham gave up the wealth offered by a king to trust in God and gave tithe to God (Gen. 14), God appeared to Abraham and said, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward" (Gen. 15:1). God’s relationship with Abraham is described here as “your shield” and “your …reward.” When Abraham put his trust in God before King Sodom and gave tithe to God, God assured Abraham of these things. Shield indicates protection, and reward indicates blessings. God was ready to reward Abraham’s faithfulness and trust. When we put our trust in God, He becomes our reward. He will never let us be ashamed when we trust in Him.
If Abraham had taken the reward from the king, it would have been limited to himself, but by trusting in God, the rewards extended beyond him to his generations. Psalm 127:3 identifies the inheritance of children as a “reward” given by the Lord. God is also our protection. Jesus said, "I am with you; do not be afraid."

Walking Through Barrenness

God may allow us to walk through barrenness even after giving several promises of blessings. God promised Abraham a child, but Sarah was barren for 25 years after the promise. God is faithful to fulfill His promises but not necessarily according to our timetable. When we walk through barrenness, two common issues arise:

  • Wrong Thoughts: Abraham devised his own plan to give his inheritance to Eliezer, his servant, which opposed faith in God’s promises.
  • Blaming or Questioning God: Abraham questioned God, saying, “Can you give me (anything) since I remain childless?” (v.2). He even presented his plan to God.

During barrenness, we must not question God’s promises or try to solve the issue through our own plans. Abraham’s strength here was his complete reliance on God, saying, "You have given me no children" (v.3). Instead of blaming Sarah or comparing himself to others, Abraham acknowledged that God was responsible. God does not give barrenness but allows us to experience it to fulfill His purposes, plans, and standards in us.

Renewing Your Fourth Dimension of Faith (Gen. 15:5-6)

Faith is not ordinary thinking but involves imagination and assurance in our hearts. Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
God led Abraham to imagine His promise. Although Abraham had started walking in faith, the long wait for fulfillment caused his faith to waver. God took Abraham outside and showed him the stars, asking him to count them (v.5). Abraham struggled to count, as they were countless. God assured him that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
Every night, as Abraham looked at the stars, he imagined countless children, renewing his faith and confidence (v.6). His mental strength grew, enabling him to live by faith during barrenness. Renewing faith through imagination aligned with God’s promises is crucial in overcoming barrenness.

One More Doubt, Oh God!

Despite promises, Abraham had yet to possess the land. Though he witnessed God’s miracles and provisions in the Promised Land, he felt alien there. After years in the land, he asked, "O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?" (Gen. 15:8).
Abraham’s faith had weakened over time. Initially, he walked the land with strong faith, but now doubts emerged. Similarly, we may live amidst God’s promises but still have doubts. However, God always renews our faith with fresh revelations, as He did for Abraham.

God Renews Us

God renewed Abraham’s shaken faith through several elements:

  • Worship: God asked Abraham to bring a sacrifice. Worship is essential for renewal, leading us into God’s presence, where we receive vision, revelation, and strength.
  • Vision: God renewed Abraham’s faith by revealing more of His plans for Abraham’s life.
  • Encounter: Abraham experienced a powerful encounter when God appeared to him as fire and a blazing torch (v.17).
  • Covenant: God made a covenant with Abraham, reinforcing His promises (v.18).

Further Readings in this blog: 


Nothing is Impossible

Heavenly Hierarchy and Faith in the Letter to the Hebrews

Other Readings: 

Faith of God
Taking Steps of Faith

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