“And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness” (v6). God had promised to give Abram descendants, and now the Lord confirmed that He was Abram’s “shield” and source of reward (v1). But Abram had “no offspring” and wondered how and when God would fulfill His promise (v3). Bringing Abram outside, God commanded him to look at the night sky, filled with stars: “So shall your offspring be” (v5). Abram trusted that God would do what He said.

“Fear not ... I am the Lord” (v1,7). Our capacity to follow Jesus obediently, with courage – as Abraham followed God – flows from our trust in His character. He is good, He loves us, and He is trustworthy.