Big Idea: God’s promise is more powerful than your pain.

Genesis 15:1-6
After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield; your reward will be very great.  But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” Abram continued, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a slave born in my house will be my heir.” Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

1. Look to God’s promise in the midst of your confusion.
Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless…

2. God’s promise shines through your darkness.
“Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”

3. Your life shows how much you believe God’s promise.
Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Next Steps:

BELIEVE: I need Jesus to change my heart today.
BECOME: I will hold on to THE promise in my darkness this week.
BE SENT: I will enter someone else’s pain this week.


Discussion Questions:

Do you know anyone who has lost all hope?
What promise are you most excited for God to fulfill?
Which is stronger, love or grief?  Explain your answer. 
Was there a time when hope got you through some difficult circumstances?
How can your hope for the future get you through today’s pains?
Is there a difference between hope and positive thinking?  Explain.
Thank God for his gift of grace to you this week.