Genesis 15:1; 6. “After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
Abraham had no idea what was ahead in his future. He evidently feared that the kings he had just defeated might take revenge. His legacy shows us he was human as he had doubts and fears; he needed courage. God took him outside and pointed to the night sky. “Look up at the heavens and count the stars – if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Genesis 15:5-6. God promised to defend Abram – “I am your shield.” Next, he promised to be Abram’s “very great reward.” This key verse in Genesis 5:6 was quoted four times in the New Testament -Romans 4:3, 22; Galatians 3:6, and James 2:23. When you fear a predicament or what lies ahead, remember the promises God gave to Abram. He will give to you, too, if you ask Him. It takes putting your trust and faith in our all-powerful, all-sufficient God. Ones lack of faith is always evident in times of crises.
I was struggling with some fears and doubts this Summer over a health issue when we were traveling on vacation. We were visiting my brother and sister-in-law in NW Iowa, and on a stand near their kitchen table was the verse, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. It was just what I needed to give me courage and help me fight discouragement at that very moment. I now have this verse on a plaque in our living room so that I can continually be reminded of God’s promise of His presence with me wherever I go, in whatever I am going through. I have again needed that verse as a reminder recently.
Do you feel like you have to figure everything out? You don’t, and God doesn’t expect you to. He wants you to trust Him. If God told Abram not to be afraid, who was later known for his faith, obedience, and covenant with God and chosen to be the father of the Jewish nation, be encouraged from the profile of Abram/Abraham we are given in Genesis. God’s comfort and grace are a gift to take hold of in the journey of learning to trust in God without fears and doubts.
God appears in the Psalms eleven times as a “shield.” One verse is Psalm 3:3, “But you are a shield around me, O LORD, you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.” Psalm 5:12, is another example, “For surely O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.” A shield protects one from being hurt. It blocks out what his harmful.
God wants you to know him personally. For any pain and suffering you have to go through, God has a higher reason for you to be on this path to develop a deeper relationship, character, and trust in God displayed in your faith as you take one day at a time. You are forming a legacy in the present, that will leave a legacy in the future. Remember, God is your continual shield of protection. “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9. Amen!
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