In Genesis 15, we see one of the strangest covenant ceremonies in all the Bible. A covenant is typically between two people, but in this situation, one person was conspicuously absent—and that reality changes everything.

Abram had questions. He was childless, aging, and the promise of an heir seemed impossible. So God brought him outside and said, “Look at the stars. That’s how numerous your offspring will be.”

And Abram believed. God counted it as righteousness.

But here’s what happens next that changes everything: God made a covenant with Abram. In that culture, both parties would walk between the divided animals, pledging their commitment. But when the time came, God put Abram into a deep sleep.

A smoking firepot and blazing torch—representing God alone—passed between the pieces.

Can you envision that scene? Abram didn’t walk through. God alone did. And that was God’s way of saying that this covenant rested entirely on His faithfulness, not Abram’s performance. God was saying, “I’ll keep this promise even if you fail. This is on Me.”

We spend so much energy trying to earn God’s promises. We think if we pray enough, serve enough, or sin less, then God will come through. But that’s backwards.

God’s promises aren’t contingent on your perfection. They’re secured by His character. You don’t have to perform your way into His blessing or maintain your way into His favor.

When Abram was asleep—completely passive—God made the covenant. Your rest, not your striving, is often where God works most powerfully.

So, today, whatever promise you’re clinging to, remember: God walked through the fire alone. His faithfulness holds you, not your performance. You can rest in that.

Change begins in you!