God’s Covenant and the Cost of Waiting | Genesis 14–16

Welcome to Day 5 of Word for Word: The Bible.In today’s episode, we read Genesis chapters 14–16 word for word from the New International Version (NIV). These chapters continue the story of Abram and reveal how God’s promises unfold amid conflict, waiting, and human weakness.Today’s reading includes:Abram rescuing Lot after the battle of the kingsAbram’s encounter with Melchizedek, priest of God Most HighGod reaffirming His covenant promise to AbramThe promise of descendants as numerous as the starsSarai and Hagar, and the birth of IshmaelThe tension created when God’s timing is tested by human impatienceGenesis 14–16 shows Abram acting in faith and courage, while also wrestling with uncertainty and delay. God’s covenant remains firm, even when people attempt to take matters into their own hands. These chapters remind us that God’s promises do not depend on human perfection, but on His faithfulness.Each episode of Word for Word: The Bible includes:A brief prayer for understandingA complete Scripture readingA short reflection to frame the passage in contextWhether you are reading the Bible for the first time or following along in a year-long journey, you are invited to listen daily as we move through Scripture together—word for word.